China’s Robotaxi enters London for first time as Baidu’s Apollo Go begins UK road tests with Uber and Lyft
I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.Baidu's Apollo Go has partnered with FREENOW (owned by Lyft) and Uber to begin robotaxi road tests in London. This marks the first time a Chinese autonomous vehicle is tested in London's complex traffic environment. The fleet uses Apollo RT6 vehicles with safety operators, starting trials in Brent. Public rides are planned for 2027.
FREENOW, the European mobility platform owned by Lyft, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Baidu’s Apollo Go to begin testing robotaxis in London, UK. Uber also said Apollo Go vehicles are now operating on public roads in the British capital.
Baidu said the deployment marks the first time a Chinese autonomous vehicle has conducted real-world road testing in London’s complex traffic environment, and represents Apollo Go’s latest expansion into a right-hand-drive market following its launch in Hong Kong.
According to FREENOW, the test fleet will use Apollo RT6 robotaxis equipped with safety operators on board. Initial trials will take place in Brent, a London borough that includes both urban and suburban driving conditions. FREENOW and Apollo Go plan to begin offering rides to the public starting in 2027. [TechNode Reporting]