Lyft and Baidu test robotaxis in London via Freenow app

Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis began testing on London’s streets on July 28, 2026, through a partnership with Freenow, the mobility network acquired by Lyft in 2025. The autonomous vehicles are now available for select rides via the Freenow app, marking the entry of both companies into the city’s competitive robotaxi market. The move directly affects London residents and visitors who use ride-hailing services, as they can now hail a driverless Apollo Go vehicle through the Freenow platform. It also impacts existing operators in London’s autonomous vehicle testing landscape, intensifying the race to commercialize self-driving technology in one of the world’s most challenging urban environments. This development matters because it signals a significant expansion of autonomous ride-hailing in a major global city, with Lyft leveraging its recent acquisition to gain a foothold in the European market. London’s complex road network and regulatory framework serve as a critical proving ground for robotaxi technology, and success here could accelerate broader adoption. According to the announcement, the testing began on July 28, 2026, with Apollo Go vehicles integrated into the Freenow app. Lyft completed its acquisition of Freenow in 2025, a deal that gave the U.S.-based company access to Freenow’s extensive European user base and operational infrastructure. Baidu’s Apollo Go has previously operated in multiple Chinese cities, but this marks its first foray into the European market. The partnership combines Baidu’s autonomous driving technology with Lyft’s mobility network, aiming to offer a seamless robotaxi experience to London users. The testing phase is expected to gather data on vehicle performance in London’s unique traffic conditions, with potential expansion to other European cities if successful. Regulators and competitors will closely watch the trial’s progress, as it could influence future policies and investments in autonomous mobility across the continent.