Archive · 4 Aug 2025
Baidu and Lyft Plan Robotaxi Launch in Germany and UK
Chinese company Baidu is teaming up with Lyft to bring self-driving taxis, called robotaxis, to Germany and the UK in 2026.
They've done something similar with Uber in Asia and the Middle East.
These robotaxis, known as Apollo Go, are already in use in places like Wuhan, China.
The plan is to expand the number of these driverless cars across Europe.
This is part of a bigger trend where tech companies are investing a lot in self-driving technology.
Lyft itself is also growing in Europe, having recently bought a German taxi app.
Baidu plans to launch robotaxis with Lyft in Germany and the UK in 2026, pending approvals.
The initiative follows a similar agreement between Baidu and Uber in Asia and the Middle East.
The robotaxi fleet, 'Apollo Go,' aims to expand to thousands of vehicles in Europe 'in the following years'.
Driverless taxis are already operational in the US and China, notably in Wuhan with a fleet of over 500.
Lyft's acquisition of Freenow marks a significant expansion into the European market.
- Who
- Baidu and Lyft.
- What
- Baidu and Lyft are launching robotaxis in Germany and the UK.
- When
- Planned for 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- Where
- Germany, UK, Asia, Middle East, and potentially other European countries.
- Why
- To expand the reach of self-driving technology and compete in the autonomous driving market.
- Companies Involved
- Baidu, Lyft
- Robotaxi Name
- Apollo Go
- Planned Launch Countries
- Germany, UK
- Planned Launch Year
- 2026
- Existing Robotaxi Locations
- US, China (Wuhan)