Chinese tech giant Baidu has begun testing autonomous cars in London in partnership with Lyft and Freenow, the German taxi and multi-mobility app that Lyft currently owns. Baidu is the latest in a number of companies to test self-driving technology in the UK ahead of commercial robotaxi applications.
The trial, which began Tuesday with human security operators, comes nearly a year after the two companies entered into a strategic partnership to deploy Baidu’s purpose-built Apollo Go RT6 robot taxi in key European markets via the Lyft platform. The cars will eventually be available through Freenow, powered by Lyft Bought in 2025 for about $197 million.
The deal gives Lyft a foothold in Europe’s ride-hailing market, where a handful of well-funded companies are racing to be first to market with robotaxis.
London, in particular, is becoming a major battleground in the region. In April, Waymo began testing its autonomous vehicles with human security operators in the city. Uber and its self-driving tech partner Wayve have also announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in London this year. An initial service that customers can sign up for now interest list — will have human safety operators behind the wheel before fully driverless operations begin later.
Baidu and Freenow (as the latter service is now called) by Lyft said they expect to invite the public to hail their robotaxis in 2027. The companies, which did not provide a more detailed timetable, said the launch would depend on regulatory approval.
For now, dozens of test vehicles will operate in London’s Brent district. Lyft and Freenow said they are continuing discussions with safety and city officials, including Transport for London (TfL) and the Center for Connected and Autonomous Transport (CCAV). The UK government is in the process of creating regulations for autonomous vehicles and opened applications for companies interested in one in May AV pilot program it allows companies to test self-driving cars under government oversight.
When the service launches, Freenow by Lyft said it will operate a hybrid network — using the same rival language used by Uber — meaning human drivers operating taxis and private-hire vehicles will work alongside robotaxis.
“As a platform with deep roots in the taxi industry, our priority is to ensure that autonomous technology supports the professional drivers who keep London moving,” said Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of Freenow by Lyft.
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