Key facts
- Lyft and Uber are partnering with Baidu to introduce robotaxis to London.
- Testing of Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis is expected to begin in London in the first half of 2026.
- Baidu's RT6 electric vehicles are designed for ride-hailing and autonomous operation.
- The UK government's Automated Vehicles Act 2024 aims to accelerate driverless technology trials by clarifying legal liability.
- Concerns have been raised by security experts regarding potential national security risks from Chinese technology in autonomous vehicles.
Lyft and Uber are set to introduce robotaxis to London's streets in 2026 through partnerships with Chinese technology firm Baidu. The move, which involves Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous driving system, places the UK at the forefront of Europe's self-driving mobility race.
Lyft plans to begin testing with dozens of Baidu's RT6 electric vehicles, designed for ride-sharing, in London in 2026. This initiative is part of a broader UK government effort to establish the country as a leader in driverless technology, supported by legislation like the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which clarifies legal liability for accidents.
Uber has also announced plans to use Baidu's autonomous vehicles in London, supplementing its existing trials with UK-US firm Wayve. These developments come as Alphabet's Waymo, a major player in the US robotaxi market, also prepares for trials in the UK capital.
However, the increased presence of Chinese autonomous vehicle technology has prompted security experts to voice concerns. Charles Parton, an associate fellow at the Rusi defence thinktank, warned of potential national security risks, including data harvesting and the possibility of disabling vehicles during times of tension.
Baidu's Apollo Go is a leading autonomous ride-hailing service in Asia, operating in 22 cities and completing a significant number of driverless rides weekly. For Baidu, these collaborations represent a major step in its global expansion into European markets.