Verizon Business announced a partnership with German start-up Vay Technology to integrate 5G technology into Vay’s remotely operated electric vehicle fleet. Founded in 2019, Vay Technology proposes a unique approach to driverless mobility, where customers can hire vehicles driven remotely via an app. The vehicles are controlled by drivers at teledrive stations, who use a steering wheel, pedals, and screens linked to onboard cameras. Once the vehicle reaches the customer, they take control and drive, paying by the minute until they are done.
Vay’s innovative service, promising journeys at “half the price of Uber,” has launched in Las Vegas, marking the initial focus of its collaboration with Verizon. TJ Fox, Senior Vice President of Industrial IoT and Automotive at Verizon Business, praised Vay’s model. He noted the importance of mobile connectivity for the future of transportation, emphasizing how connectivity integrates into all aspects of Vay’s operations.
Through this partnership, Verizon will enable Vay’s data-intensive workloads, which include teleoperation-capable cars, telematics, diagnostics, and over-the-air software updates. Additionally, Verizon will provide custom data tariffs for Vay’s vehicles. Thomas von der Ohe, Vay’s CEO, highlighted Verizon’s coverage and reliability as crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of their teleoperated fleet.
The collaboration with Vay underscores Verizon’s growing interest in the connected vehicle market. Earlier this year, Verizon announced partnerships with Audi and Sony Honda Mobility at the Mobile World Congress.
