Baidu and Lyft Showcase London Robotaxi as 2027 Rides Remain a Target

Baidu’s Apollo Go and Freenow by Lyft showed the RT6 in London on Thursday, Oct. 22, as they work toward public robotaxi rides in 2027 that remain subject to regulatory approval.

Road testing began July 28 in Brent with safety operators aboard. The partners said they hoped to operate fully driverless vehicles in 2027, ahead of a commercial launch targeted for that year. No fixed launch date has been confirmed.

Danny O’Gorman, Freenow’s U.K. general manager, said the company was discussing “tens of vehicles in the next year or two” as it tests the market. The discussion does not represent a firm fleet commitment.

Lyft and Baidu announced their European robotaxi partnership in 2025. Under the arrangement, Lyft is to manage the marketplace and operations, while Baidu is to supply RT6 vehicles and technical support.

The London project joins plans for Uber and Pony.ai to test robotaxis in the city.