London Becomes the Next Hub for Autonomous Vehicles as Uber and Lyft Partner with Baidu: What You Need To Know

Published on December 29, 2025

In a groundbreaking move, Uber and Lyft have announced their partnership with Baidu to introduce robotaxi services in London, marking a significant step toward the future of urban transportation. This collaboration, which will see the deployment of Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles, is set to revolutionise the way Londoners and visitors experience travel in the city. The first phase of testing will begin in 2026, offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous mobility in one of the world’s busiest metropolitan hubs.

Baidu’s Apollo Go to Hit London Streets in 2026

Uber and Lyft have taken separate but coordinated steps to incorporate Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles into their platforms. Uber’s partnership with Baidu dates back to July 2025, when the company confirmed plans to introduce Apollo Go AVs in global cities outside of the U.S. and China. Following closely behind, Lyft announced its own agreement with Baidu in August 2025, committing to launch autonomous vehicles across Europe, with London as one of its key test cities.

As part of their autonomous vehicle rollouts, both ride-hailing giants aim to bring driverless taxis to London streets in the first half of 2026. This marks a major step in the broader UK initiative to accelerate the adoption of self-driving vehicles.

Testing Phase and Expansion Plans

The initial testing phase will see dozens of autonomous vehicles deployed in central London, with plans to expand to hundreds of vehicles once the technology is fully integrated into the city’s transport system. The Apollo Go AVs used by both Uber and Lyft are electric and specifically built for rideshare services. These vehicles promise a premium, high-comfort ride with features like reclining seats, panoramic sky roofs, and even mood lighting, offering a unique experience for passengers.

The testing is expected to begin as soon as the required regulatory approval is granted by the UK Department for Transport. Both Uber and Lyft have committed to meeting the UK’s stringent safety standards before full deployment. In particular, Lyft’s fleet will be integrated into the Freenow ecosystem, allowing seamless operations across multiple European cities.

UK’s Vision for Autonomous Vehicles

The announcement comes as part of the UK government’s commitment to lead the charge in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies. Heidi Alexander, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, has hailed the move as a “vote of confidence” in the UK’s self-driving car pilot schemes, which are set to launch as soon as spring 2026. This effort is designed to ensure the safe introduction of autonomous vehicles while transforming the nation’s transport infrastructure.

The UK’s regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles allows for controlled trials in designated areas. This not only paves the way for testing by Uber, Lyft, and Baidu but also opens up opportunities for other international players in the autonomous vehicle market.

A Competitive Edge in the Autonomous Vehicle Market

Both Uber and Lyft face competition from other autonomous vehicle technology providers already in operation, such as Waymo (Alphabet’s self-driving division), which has been conducting autonomous vehicle safety-driver trials in the UK. However, the introduction of Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles in London positions Uber and Lyft as early leaders in the race for autonomous rideshare dominance in the European market.

In addition to Waymo, British-based start-up Wayve is advancing its machine-learning-based autonomous technology, and major European automakers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are also stepping up their efforts in the autonomous space, further increasing competition.

The Future of Urban Mobility

This move to introduce robotaxis in London aligns with global trends towards urban mobility and smart cities. As autonomous vehicle technologies continue to evolve, Uber and Lyft’s trials will provide valuable insights into how driverless taxis can function alongside traditional forms of transportation in densely populated cities. These developments are expected to play a crucial role in the future of mobility and could serve as models for other major cities worldwide looking to embrace autonomous transport solutions.

For Londoners and visitors, the availability of autonomous taxis is expected to enhance the convenience of urban transport while contributing to the sustainability of the city’s transport network. This project is poised to be a key milestone in the evolution of smart cities and autonomous mobility, reflecting the broader shift in global transportation systems.

The Arrival of Autonomous Travel in London

The introduction of Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles in London by Uber and Lyft represents a significant leap in the future of mobility. With testing set to begin in 2026, London is set to become a global leader in autonomous transportation, showcasing how these technologies can transform urban travel. As these companies continue to push the boundaries of innovation, passengers can look forward to a new era of convenient, efficient, and sustainable travel options.