Chinese tech giant Baidu has started testing its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on London roads today, partnering with Lyft’s Freenow platform in a major step for European robotaxis.
The sixth-generation RT6 electric vehicles, purpose-built for ride-hailing, began operating Tuesday in the borough of Brent with human safety operators aboard. The area mixes dense urban streets and suburban routes, giving the system an early workout in one of the world’s toughest cities for self-driving tech.
This follows a 2025 strategic deal in which Lyft agreed to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go fleet across key European markets through its platform. Lyft acquired Freenow in 2025, gaining a ready European footprint and local operational know-how. Apollo Go supplies the vehicles and autonomy software; Freenow handles on-the-ground logistics.
Public rides eyed for 2027
Testing remains limited for now, with safety drivers required. The companies plan to open the service to public riders in 2027, subject to regulatory approval from UK authorities, including Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. When it launches, the robotaxis will run as part of a hybrid network alongside Freenow’s existing taxis and private-hire vehicles.
Nan Yang, Baidu vice president and general manager of its overseas intelligent driving unit, called the London arrival “a defining milestone in our global expansion.” He said testing in such a complex city validates the technology’s maturity.
Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft, stressed the company’s taxi roots. “Our priority is ensuring that autonomous technology supports the professional drivers who keep London moving,” he said. The goal, he added, is to offer more sustainable shared mobility options.
Why London matters now
London has become a key European battleground. Waymo has already begun testing with safety operators. Uber and its partner Wayve are preparing their own trials this year. Baidu’s entry puts a major Chinese player directly into the mix, leveraging its scale: Apollo Go has completed more than 22 million cumulative rides globally and logged over 330 million autonomous kilometers, including 220 million fully driverless ones.
A Freenow-commissioned survey found 58 percent of Londoners would likely try an autonomous vehicle, with stronger interest among those under 35. Still, some taxi drivers have voiced concerns about long-term job impacts.
The RT6 vehicles feature advanced sensors and multi-layer safety systems. Baidu recently secured Hong Kong’s first fully driverless trial permit for a right-hand-drive market, showing progress in adapting the tech beyond China.
For now, the cars stay in Brent. Mapping, inspections, and further regulatory talks continue. If approvals come through, Londoners could soon hail Chinese-built robotaxis through the same app they already use for traditional rides—marking a practical test of whether autonomy can handle one of Europe’s busiest capitals.
Hong Kong is just the proving ground. @Baidu_Inc Apollo Go's real goal, expanding globally into right-hand drive markets with London being the first.@gbrulte and @RobGsix analyze the signals on Autonomy Signals presented by @KPMG. $BIDU pic.twitter.com/YonKRyOiUD
— The Road to Autonomy® (@RoadToAutonomy) July 28, 2026