Vay, a Berlin-based startup, is revving up its driverless car-sharing service in Las Vegas, announcing plans to expand its fleet to 100 vehicles. The company, which uses teleoperations technology to remotely pilot empty vehicles to customers, has been operating a small commercial fleet of retrofitted Kia e-Niro vehicles in certain parts of Las Vegas since January 2024.

The innovative service allows customers to hail a car using the Vay app, which arrives without a human driver. Once the vehicle arrives, the customer takes over manual control of the car, driving themselves to their destination. After completing their journey, the teleops driver remotely pilots the vehicle back, providing a seamless and convenient experience.

Vay's expansion announcement, made during CES 2025, marks a significant milestone for the company, which raised a €34 million round from the European Investment Bank last year. The investment has enabled Vay to secure a production facility, which will be used to build out its Kia e-Niro fleet and meet growing demand.

According to Vay co-founder and CEO Thomas Von der Ohe, the investment represents a crucial step in scaling the company's offerings. "This investment is a significant milestone for Vay's growth, and we're excited to accelerate our expansion plans," Von der Ohe said.

Vay's users have already taken more than 6,000 trips throughout central Las Vegas, demonstrating the demand for its innovative service. The company is also expanding into business-to-business operations, aiming to provide remote driving for private cars, trucks, vans, and autonomous vehicles. Vay is currently hiring remote car and truck drivers as part of its B2B operations expansion this year, although the company has not disclosed what vehicles it will use for its commercial B2B service.

The expansion of Vay's driverless car-sharing service in Las Vegas has significant implications for the autonomous vehicle industry. As the company continues to scale its operations, it is likely to drive innovation and adoption in the sector. With its unique teleoperations technology and focus on convenience and safety, Vay is well-positioned to become a leader in the autonomous vehicle market.

As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, Vay's expansion in Las Vegas serves as a key indicator of the growing demand for innovative mobility solutions. With its production facility and expanding fleet, Vay is poised to make a significant impact on the industry, providing a glimpse into the future of transportation.