German teledrivingstartupVay has secured 34mn from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
In January, Vay launched acommercial remote-controlled car servicein Las Vegas.
Now it wants to roll out the technology on its home turf.
In 2023, the company successfully conducted test drives without a safety driver on public roads in Hamburg.
Vay says it has been working closely with authorities to launch a commercial service in the German city.
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When users launch the Vay app and request a ride, anelectric vehiclecomes to collect them.
Just like an Uber except theres nobody in the car.
Instead, its piloted to the pick-up spot by a remote driver.
The customer then takes the wheel for the journey to their destination.
Once they depart, a teledriver takes control again.
This operator could technically be sitting on the other side of the world.
However, most will be nearby at one of Vays teledriving centres.
For customers, teledriving is billed as a cheaper, more convenient alternative to traditional car-sharing.
For operators, it could mean the difference between success or failure.
The company claims its technology can double the amount of time vehicles are in use, boosting revenues.
In December 2023, Vay raised $95mn (87mn) in a Series B round.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
