Uber and Lyft to Trial Baidu Apollo Go Driverless Taxis in the UK Targeting 2026
Uber and Lyft have announced plans to trial Baidu Apollo Go driverless taxis in the UK, aiming for a launch in 2026, pending regulator approval to begin testing in London. This partnership marks the introduction of Chinese robotaxi technology to the UK market, leveraging Baidu Apollo Go's experience operating in numerous Chinese cities as well as Hong Kong and Dubai, where it has completed millions of rides.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described this move as a strong endorsement of self-driving vehicle initiatives, highlighting plans for pilot programs carrying passengers from spring 2026 under a government-regulated framework. Uber emphasized that this collaboration will accelerate Britain’s leadership in future mobility and plans to bring Apollo Go vehicles to London as early as next year.
Meanwhile, Lyft expects to deploy an initial fleet of dozens of Apollo Go driverless taxis across the UK and Germany next year, with potential to expand to hundreds under a broader European deal. London will be the first region in the area to experience Baidu Apollo Go vehicles.
Despite the technological advancements, public safety and trust remain significant concerns. Recent polls indicate that around 60% of UK respondents feel uncomfortable with driverless taxis, while 85% would prefer a human driver if prices were equal. Experts caution that the widespread adoption of driverless cars involves complex challenges related to standards, safety, privacy, and traffic congestion, all of which must be carefully addressed before such services become commonplace.
