Key facts
- Lyft and Baidu have started testing autonomous vehicles in London.
- The partnership plans to launch a public robotaxi service in 2027.
- Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi will be used in the service.
- Lyft acquired Freenow in 2025, providing a European foothold.
- Other companies like Waymo and Uber are also testing or planning robotaxi services in London.
Chinese technology firm Baidu has initiated testing of its autonomous vehicles in London, marking a significant step in its collaboration with ride-hailing company Lyft and its subsidiary, the German mobility app Freenow. This move places Baidu among several companies vying to introduce robotaxi services in the UK capital.
The testing phase, which commenced with safety operators present, follows a strategic partnership established nearly a year prior. This alliance aims to deploy Baidu's specialized Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis across key European markets through Lyft's platform. The acquisition of Freenow by Lyft in 2025 for approximately $197 million provided Lyft with a crucial entry point into the competitive European ride-hailing sector.
London is emerging as a central hub for autonomous vehicle development. Competitors such as Waymo have already begun testing their self-driving vehicles in the city, while Uber, in conjunction with its partner Wayve, has announced intentions to launch a robotaxi service this year, initially with safety operators before transitioning to fully driverless operations.
Baidu and Freenow by Lyft anticipate opening their robotaxi services to the public in 2027, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Initially, dozens of test vehicles will operate within the London borough of Brent. Discussions are ongoing with local authorities, including Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, as the UK government finalizes its regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
Upon launch, Freenow by Lyft plans to implement a hybrid model, integrating robotaxis with human-driven taxis and private-hire vehicles. Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting professional drivers within the existing taxi industry as autonomous technology is introduced.