Lyft's Freenow to Offer Baidu Apollo Go Robotaxis in London

Baidu’s autonomous‑driving unit, Apollo Go, announced that its self‑driving vehicles will be added to Freenow’s ride‑hailing platform. Freenow, the European mobility network that Lyft purchased in 2025, will integrate the Chinese firm’s robotaxis into its existing fleet, allowing users in select markets to request driverless rides through the Freenow app. The rollout is slated to begin later this year in cities where both companies already operate pilot programs, and it follows Apollo Go’s expansion from China to a handful of European test sites over the past two years.

The partnership marks the first time Baidu’s autonomous service is offered on a platform owned by a major U.S. mobility provider. By leveraging Freenow’s network and Lyft’s backend infrastructure, Apollo Go aims to increase vehicle utilization and gather additional data on mixed‑traffic conditions. Industry analysts note that the collaboration could accelerate the commercialization of driverless taxis in Europe, though regulatory approvals and local market acceptance will remain critical factors.