Autonomous mobility offensive
Lyft tests Baidu robotaxis in Europe
The fully electric RT6 robotaxis are initially set to operate in Germany and the United Kingdom, with the long-term goal of creating the largest autonomous vehicle network on the continent.
Lyft
Lyft and Baidu will launch an autonomous mobility offensive in Europe in 2026. The all-electric RT6 robotaxis are initially set to operate in Germany and the United Kingdom, with the aim of building the continent's largest AV network.
The American mobility service provider Lyft and the Chinese tech company Baidu plan to offer autonomous robotaxis in Europe from 2026. In a strategic partnership, Lyft will initially deploy Baidu's fully electric RT6 vehicles from its ride-hailing service Apollo Go in Germany and the United Kingdom, subject to regulatory approval. The RT6 models have been developed from the ground up for ride-hailing operations. They are based on six generations of intensive practical tests and the Apollo Autonomous Driving Foundation Model.
Apollo Go has already conducted more than eleven million autonomous rides worldwide and is operational in 15 cities, highlighting the system's experience and scalability. Both companies emphasize that safety and regulatory compliance are paramount. The RT6 vehicles are equipped with a modern sensor suite, tenfold safety redundancy, and an intelligent interaction design.
Vehicle fleet in Europe set to grow significantly
In the following years, the fleet is expected to grow to thousands of vehicles across Europe, laying the foundation for a comprehensive network of autonomous mobility services. For Baidu, this project represents an important step in international expansion, while Lyft aims to further strengthen its position as an established platform for autonomous driving in Europe. "This collaboration represents our commitment to making autonomous mobility accessible worldwide while working with local partners who understand their communities," emphasizes Robin Li, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Baidu.
Lyft will be responsible for the operational value chain and the marketplace, while Baidu will supply the vehicles, undertake technological validation, and provide comprehensive technical support. To accelerate the launch, Lyft also plans to utilise the existing infrastructure of the recently acquired mobility service FreeNow. This service is present in nine European countries and over 180 cities and has close relationships with local authorities and taxi operators, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Given Europe's strong transport infrastructure and the increasing demand for environmentally friendly mobility, this partnership also aims to establish Europe as a global showcase for autonomous ride-hailing services and set a new standard for safety-oriented, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.
This article was first published
at automotiveit.eu
