Lyft has announced a partnership with Baidu to introduce robotaxi services in Europe, starting in 2026. The collaboration aims to deploy Baidu's autonomous vehicles on Lyft's platform, initially in Germany and the United Kingdom, pending regulatory approvals.
This initiative marks Baidu's first entry into the European autonomous vehicle market. The company has been operating its Apollo Go robotaxi service in China, with over 1,000 vehicles deployed across multiple cities. The partnership with Lyft is expected to expand Baidu's global presence in the autonomous vehicle sector.
Lyft's recent acquisition of the European mobility app FreeNow, which operates in over 150 cities across nine countries, is expected to facilitate the deployment of robotaxis in Europe. The integration of autonomous vehicles into Lyft's existing platform is anticipated to enhance the overall quality of transportation services.
The commitment of both companies to work closely with local regulators underscores their dedication to meeting safety standards and regulatory requirements. This partnership reflects the evolving landscape of transportation, emphasizing the integration of autonomous vehicles to create a more connected and accessible world.