Baidu’s Apollo Go Robotaxi to Debut in Germany and UK With Lyft

Baidu and Lyft are joining forces to bring Apollo Go robotaxi services to Germany and the UK, targeting a 2026 launch pending regulatory approval. This move marks a milestone in the race to debut large-scale autonomous ride-hailing in Europe.

The partnership follows Lyft’s $197 million acquisition of taxi app FreeNow, giving Lyft a network in over 180 cities across nine European countries. With this foundation, Lyft plans to integrate Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6 autonomous vehicles, purpose-built for rideshare and equipped with leading-edge safety systems, directly into its European fleet.

Tech Giants Set Sights on European Streets

Apollo Go's robotaxis will operate alongside human-driven rides, with access through the Lyft app. Baidu’s Autonomous Driving Foundation Model and robust 10-layer safety redundancy ensure passenger protection and operational reliability. Companies expect to grow the fleet to thousands of vehicles, though the exact pace will depend on city-level regulatory approvals.

Lyft CEO David Risher said, “Our partnership is all about creating a fantastic customer experience,” while Baidu CEO Robin Li called the collaboration a "significant milestone" in globalizing autonomous mobility.

Did you know?
Baidu’s Apollo Go service has completed over 11 million autonomous rides worldwide, making it one of the most experienced robotaxi operators globally.

Scaling Up With Local Advantages

Lyft’s acquisition of FreeNow gives a substantial local boost. By utilizing FreeNow’s established regulatory relationships and access to taxi operators, Lyft accelerates the intricate process of securing permits and acceptance for autonomous vehicles in Europe’s complex transport environment.

Apollo Go has a solid track record in China, operating over 1,000 autonomous vehicles and completing well over 11 million rides in cities from Wuhan to Beijing. Leveraging this operational depth, Baidu and Lyft hope to rapidly replicate their success for European customers.

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Robotaxi Competition Heats Up

The entry of Baidu and Lyft into Europe coincides with a significant shift in the field of autonomy. Rival Uber has started its robotaxi pilots in Asia, the Middle East, and US cities, including a multi-market partnership with Baidu. Other Chinese tech leaders, WeRide and Pony AI, are similarly testing robotaxi models across Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Middle East.

Globally, we anticipate explosive growth in the robotaxi market. Goldman Sachs projects China’s market alone to reach $14 billion by 2030, while European and US regulators take steps to modernize mobility rules for self-driving fleets.

With Apollo Go’s European debut, Baidu and Lyft are signaling their ambition to lead the autonomous ride-hailing revolution. The shift could transform how millions move through cities and remake the mobility landscape in ways that go far beyond ride-sharing.