Baidu launches London robotaxi tests with Lyft's Freenow platform
Chinese technology group Baidu has begun road testing its sixth‑generation Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in the London borough of Brent. The trial, which started on 28 July 2026, runs the vehicles with human safety operators on board and does not yet carry paying passengers.
The tests are part of a strategic partnership with US ride‑hailing firm Lyft, which operates the Freenow platform after acquiring it in 2025 for roughly $197 million. Baidu and Lyft aim to make the autonomous rides available to the public via Freenow by 2027, subject to approval from UK regulators. Discussions are under way with Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles as the British government continues to accept applications for autonomous‑vehicle pilot schemes.
Company executives highlighted the milestone: Baidu vice‑president Nan Yang called the London deployment a key step in the group’s global expansion, while Freenow chief executive Thomas Zimmermann said the goal is to support professional drivers while introducing sustainable, shared mobility options.
Entities: Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi · Baidu Inc. · Freenow · Freenow (by Lyft) · London · Lyft Holdings Inc. · Nan Yang · Transport for London
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lyft acquired Freenow in 2025 for about $197 million.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Baidu began road testing Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis in London’s Brent borough on 28 July 2026.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The robotaxi tests involve safety operators on board and do not yet carry paying passengers.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Nan Yang, Baidu vice‑president and head of foreign business, said the test marks a milestone in the company’s global expansion.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The UK government opened applications for autonomous‑vehicle pilot programmes in May 2024.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles are consulted for the London trial.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Baidu’s partnership with Lyft uses the Freenow platform to offer future robotaxi rides.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Public robotaxi rides in London are targeted for 2027 pending regulatory approval.