00:44 29-09-2025

Vay’s teleoperated car rentals set to launch in Berlin

Europe’s car rental market is on the cusp of a shake-up. German company Vay is rolling out a service where vehicles arrive with no one behind the wheel—the cars are driven remotely by operators seated at consoles with three screens and a set of pedals, not unlike a driving simulator.

The idea got the go-ahead after Germany updated its laws, allowing teleoperated cars to run in specially approved zones starting in December 2025. Unlike Waymo’s fully autonomous robotaxis in the U.S., a human still holds the reins here—just from an office, not the cabin. It’s a pragmatic middle ground that eases the leap from traditional rentals to full autonomy.

Vay uses modified Kia e‑Niro crossovers fitted with cameras and sensors, and caps speed at 40 km/h for safety. Once a car is dropped off, the operator switches to the next assignment. The company even released a promo video to show the concept in action.

The system has already been tested in Las Vegas, and the fleet is growing in Antwerp as Vay prepares a large-scale launch in Berlin. Founder Thomas von der Ohe says the service could replace a family’s second car and make rentals more affordable. He described the operator role as a job of the future, with regular working conditions and safety.