● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
Baidu and Lyft Begin Robotaxi Testing in London with Apollo Go RT6 Vehicles
Key points
- Baidu and Lyft began robotaxi testing in London.
- Testing uses Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 vehicles.
- Human safety operators are present during tests.
- Public launch is aimed for 2027 in Europe.
- Lyft acquired Freenow in 2025 for $197 million.
Robotaxi Testing Commences in London
Baidu, in collaboration with Lyft and its European subsidiary Freenow, has initiated testing of its autonomous vehicles in London. The trials, which began recently, utilize Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis and include human safety operators aboard the vehicles.
Strategic Partnership for European Expansion
This testing phase is a result of a strategic partnership formed last year between Baidu and Lyft. The objective is to deploy Baidu's purpose-built robotaxis across key European markets through the Lyft platform. The vehicles are expected to be available through Freenow, a German taxi and multi-mobility app acquired by Lyft in 2025 for approximately $197 million.
London as a Key Market
London is emerging as a significant location for autonomous vehicle development and deployment in Europe. Other companies, including Waymo and a partnership between Uber and Wayve, have also started or announced plans for robotaxi testing in the city. Public availability of the Baidu-Lyft robotaxis is anticipated by 2027, pending regulatory approvals.
Lyft's European Footprint
Lyft's acquisition of Freenow provided it with a presence in Europe's ride-hailing market. This move supports the broader goal of deploying autonomous vehicles across the continent, leveraging Freenow's existing taxi network in the UK and Germany.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Lyft and Baidu have started testing robotaxis in London using Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 vehicles, with test drivers present. This initiative is part of a partnership aiming to deploy autonomous vehicles across Europe, with public rides expected by 2027 pending regulatory approval.
Baidu has started testing its Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London, in partnership with Lyft and its European subsidiary Freenow, with human safety operators present. This initiative aims for a public launch in 2027, pending regulatory approval, and positions London as a key market for autonomous vehicle deployment in Europe.