Baidu has started autonomous vehicle testing in London through its partnership with Lyft and Freenow, marking another step in the city's rise as a hub for self-driving mobility. The trial began with human safety operators on board as the companies prepare for a broader rollout in Europe.
The initiative follows a strategic agreement between the two firms to bring Baidu's Apollo Go RT6 robotaxi to major European markets via the Lyft platform. These vehicles are expected to be offered through Freenow, the ride-hailing service Lyft acquired in 2025.
London is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched markets for robotaxi development. Waymo has already begun testing in the city, while Uber and Wayve are also preparing a launch plan that starts with safety drivers before moving toward fully driverless service.
Baidu and Freenow by Lyft say they aim to open the service to the public in 2027, pending regulatory approval. For now, the test fleet will operate in Brent, while the companies continue working with Transport for London and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.
When the service arrives, it will run as a hybrid network, combining professional drivers and robotaxis in the same platform. The approach reflects a transition model designed to connect innovation with existing urban transport systems. In the years ahead, this kind of integration could help redefine how cities move.
