Verizon Empowers Vay's Autonomous Mobility Revolution in Las Vegas

Verizon Business has forged a strategic partnership with Vay Technology, a German automotive tech startup, to provide 5G connectivity and IoT data plans for Vay's fleet of remotely operated electric vehicles (EVs) in Las Vegas. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to revolutionize the future of transportation, blending cutting-edge technology with seamless mobility solutions.

Unlocking the Future of Autonomous Driving with Verizon's Connectivity

Transforming the Car Rental Experience

Vay's innovative car rental service in Las Vegas allows users to order an electric vehicle through a mobile app and have it delivered to their location by a "teledriver" who operates the car remotely over a 5G connection. Once the user receives the vehicle, they can drive it themselves, just like a regular car. Upon completing the trip, the car is then remotely driven to the next customer, creating a seamless and efficient transportation experience.Verizon's IoT data plans and 5G connectivity are the backbone of this revolutionary service, enabling near real-time connectivity to power Vay's tele-driven cars. The high-speed, reliable network ensures the seamless transmission of telematics and diagnostic information from the vehicles to Vay and its customers, as well as the delivery of over-the-air software and firmware updates to the Vay fleet.

Pioneering Autonomous Mobility Solutions

Vay Technology, founded in 2018, is the first and only company to successfully operate a vehicle on public roads in Europe without a human on board. The company's groundbreaking technology and operational model have now expanded to the United States, with the launch of its commercial mobility service in Las Vegas in January 2023.Vay's autonomous driving capabilities are further bolstered by its partnership with Verizon, which provides the reliable and high-performance connectivity essential for the safe and efficient tele-operation of its vehicle fleet. This collaboration is a testament to Verizon's commitment to enabling the future of transportation and supporting innovative mobility solutions.

Expanding Reach and Partnerships

Vay Technology's ambitions extend beyond Las Vegas, with plans to launch its services in Belgium in partnership with driverless vehicle operator Ush and car-share provider Poppy. The company also aims to expand its branded and white-label offerings throughout the United States, leveraging Verizon's extensive network and expertise.Vay's growth trajectory is further reinforced by its recent $95 million Series B funding round, which attracted investments from prominent investors such as Kinnevik, Coatue, Eurazeo, Atomico, La Famiglia, and Creandum. This influx of capital will enable Vay to continue its technological advancements, expand its team, and solidify its position as a leading player in the autonomous mobility space.

Connectivity at the Heart of Autonomous Mobility

TJ Fox, the Senior Vice President of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business, emphasizes the critical role of mobile connectivity in the future of transportation. Vay's operational model, from its app-based user interface to its high-tech teledriving command centers and the vehicle fleet itself, is deeply reliant on Verizon's technology."Vay's... operational model shows the importance of mobile connectivity for the future of transportation," said Fox. "From Vay's app-based user interface to its high-tech teledriving command centers, to the vehicle fleet itself, connectivity touches all corners of the business."Thomas von der Ohe, the co-founder and Chief Executive of Vay, echoes the sentiment, stating that "Verizon's technology has been critical for Vay's entry into the US market from Europe... Its coverage, performance and network reliability are essential for handling the data load inherent to teleoperating our fleet to the highest standards of safety and capability."This strategic partnership between Verizon and Vay Technology underscores the pivotal role of connectivity in shaping the future of autonomous mobility, paving the way for a more seamless, efficient, and technologically advanced transportation landscape.