Baidu Apollo Go begins London testing with Lyft partner

Chinese technology company Baidu has begun testing its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on public roads in London, marking a significant step in its global expansion and the city's growing autonomous vehicle landscape. The testing, which started on July 28, 2026, involves sixth-generation RT6 vehicles operating in the borough of Brent with safety operators on board. The program is a collaboration with Freenow by Lyft, a ride-hailing platform, and is intended to pave the way for a public passenger service expected to launch in 2027, pending regulatory approval.

The deployment builds on a strategic partnership announced by Baidu and Lyft in 2025, aimed at scaling thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across key European markets. Officials said the London testing follows discussions with Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, with safety described as central to the program. The vehicles will initially operate alongside Freenow by Lyft's existing network of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, a model the company says will increase vehicle availability and reduce passenger wait times.

This milestone follows a separate technical achievement for Baidu...