Baidu Robotaxis to Trial with Uber, Lyft in London 2026 - AI News Today Recency

# Baidu Robotaxis to Trial with Uber, Lyft in London 2026

Chinese autonomous driving leader Baidu has announced a groundbreaking partnership with two of the world's largest ride-hailing platforms, Uber and Lyft, to bring its Apollo Go robotaxis to London in 2026.[1][3] This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global race to commercialize autonomous vehicles and positions London as a major proving ground for Chinese autonomous technology in Europe. The trials will utilize Baidu's purpose-built Apollo Go RT6 vehicles, all-electric autonomous cars specifically designed for ride-sharing services.[2][3] With testing expected to commence in the first half of 2026, this partnership represents a convergence of American ride-hailing expertise and Chinese autonomous driving innovation, setting the stage for what could become the first direct competition between American and Chinese autonomous giants in a European capital.[4]

Strategic Partnership Reshapes Global Robotaxi Landscape

The collaboration between Baidu, Uber, and Lyft reflects a significant shift in how major ride-hailing platforms are approaching autonomous vehicle deployment.[1][2] Rather than developing proprietary autonomous hardware, both Uber and Lyft have adopted an asset-light model, partnering with Baidu's established Apollo Go unit to accelerate their market entry into the UK. This approach allows the American platforms to leverage Baidu's extensive autonomous driving expertise and proven technology while maintaining focus on their core ride-hailing operations.

Baidu currently operates as the world's largest autonomous vehicle operator, having completed over 17 million shared rides across 22 cities globally.[3][5] The company has accumulated over 240 million kilometers of autonomous driving experience, with more than 140 million kilometers driven in fully driverless mode.[3][5] This extensive operational track record provides confidence in the reliability and safety of the vehicles being deployed in London. The partnerships were first announced in July and August of this year, with the UK trials now confirmed as the initial international deployment location.[3]

London Emerges as Europe's Autonomous Vehicle Hub

London's selection as the primary testing location for these robotaxi trials is no coincidence. The UK capital has become an increasingly attractive destination for autonomous vehicle development, thanks to favorable regulatory conditions and infrastructure advantages.[4] The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 provides a comprehensive legal framework for liability, addressing a gap that currently exists in the more fragmented European Union regulatory landscape.[4] This clear legal framework has positioned Britain as a global sandbox for autonomous vehicle innovation, attracting investment and partnerships from leading technology companies.

Both Uber and Lyft are preparing to deploy their robotaxi services through distinct operational models. Uber will launch its pilot program directly through its London network, while Lyft will operate through FreeNow, a European mobility platform that Lyft acquired for $197 million in July 2025.[2] This acquisition gave Lyft instant access to taxi licenses in London and infrastructure across nine European countries, enabling rapid deployment of autonomous services.[2] Lyft CEO David Risher confirmed that the initial fleet will consist of 50 Apollo Go RT6 vehicles, with plans to gradually scale up to hundreds as the trials progress.[2][3]

Apollo Go RT6: The Vehicle Powering London's Autonomous Future

The Apollo Go RT6 represents Baidu's latest advancement in purpose-built autonomous ride-sharing vehicles.[2][3][5] These all-electric vehicles feature detachable steering wheels, a design innovation that allows for flexible operation during the transition period when human oversight may still be required.[2] The RT6 model has been specifically engineered for the demands of urban ride-sharing services, with optimized dimensions, passenger comfort, and autonomous driving capabilities.

The deployment of these vehicles in London marks Apollo Go's expansion into another major right-hand drive market, building on validated experience gained from recent testing expansion in Hong Kong, where Baidu received the city's first autonomous vehicle permit in late 2024.[7] The experience gained in these international markets will be crucial for refining the vehicles' performance in different regulatory environments and driving conditions.

Timeline and Commercial Expectations

Testing with Baidu's robotaxis is expected to commence in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.[2][3] Uber has indicated that commercial services using the Apollo Go RT6 vehicles could begin in London before the end of 2026, suggesting an ambitious timeline for moving from pilot testing to revenue-generating operations.[6] Lyft plans to begin testing with dozens of autonomous vehicles through the Lyft and FreeNow ecosystem, with expectations to gradually scale up the fleet size as operational experience increases.[3][5]

This accelerated timeline reflects the intensifying global competition in the autonomous vehicle sector. Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving division, has already begun supervised tests in London, while Chinese autonomous driving companies like Pony.ai have announced partnerships with European ride-hailing services.[1][4] The race to establish market presence and operational credibility in Europe's major cities is clearly accelerating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vehicle will be used in the London robotaxi trials?

The trials will utilize Baidu's Apollo Go RT6, an all-electric vehicle purpose-built for ride-sharing services. The RT6 features detachable steering wheels and is specifically designed to meet the demands of urban autonomous transportation. Lyft's initial deployment will consist of 50 RT6 vehicles, with plans to scale up to hundreds as testing progresses.[2][3]

When will the robotaxi trials actually begin in London?

Testing is expected to commence in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.[2][3] Uber has indicated that commercial services could potentially begin before the end of 2026, though this timeline depends on successful completion of the pilot phase and regulatory clearance.[6]

How will passengers book the autonomous vehicles?

For Lyft's service, passengers will book the robotaxis through the "FreeNow by Lyft" app, which holds valid private hire and taxi licenses in London.[2] Uber will operate through its existing London network. Both platforms will integrate Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 vehicles into their respective ride-hailing ecosystems.

Why is London chosen for these robotaxi trials?

London was selected due to favorable regulatory conditions, particularly the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which provides a clear legal framework for autonomous vehicle liability.[4] This regulatory clarity, combined with London's status as a major European capital and the infrastructure advantages provided by Lyft's FreeNow acquisition, makes the city an ideal testing ground for large-scale robotaxi deployment.[2]

How much autonomous driving experience does Baidu have?

Baidu is the world's largest autonomous vehicle operator, having completed over 17 million shared rides across 22 cities globally.[3][5] The company has accumulated over 240 million kilometers of autonomous driving experience, with more than 140 million kilometers driven in fully driverless mode, demonstrating extensive operational expertise.[3][5]

How does this partnership differ from traditional autonomous vehicle development?

Rather than developing proprietary autonomous hardware, Uber and Lyft have adopted an asset-light model by partnering with Baidu's established Apollo Go unit.[2] This approach allows the American ride-hailing platforms to leverage proven Chinese autonomous technology while maintaining focus on their core ride-hailing operations, accelerating market entry and reducing capital requirements for vehicle development.