Quick Takeaways
- Baidu is preparing its first European autonomous ride-hailing pilot by integrating Apollo Go robotaxis into Uber’s London platform.
- The 2026 London trial is a strategic step to validate Baidu’s driverless technology under complex traffic and regulatory conditions.
Baidu confirmed plans to introduce Baidu Apollo Go autonomous vehicles to London through a pilot program developed in collaboration with Uber. The initiative marks a significant step toward expanding autonomous ride-hailing services beyond China, with real-world testing scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.
The announcement highlights Apollo Go’s ambition to bring scalable self-driving mobility to major global cities by integrating autonomous vehicles into established ride-hailing platforms. London has been selected as the next testing ground due to its complex urban traffic environment and strong regulatory focus on future mobility solutions.
Baidu Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicles Enter European Testing Phase
The London pilot will deploy dozens of RT6 autonomous vehicles designed specifically for commercial ride-hailing operations. These vehicles are engineered to operate without a safety driver while meeting strict safety and operational standards required for dense urban environments such as London.
By launching Baidu Apollo Go autonomous vehicles in Europe, Baidu aims to validate its autonomous driving technology in diverse road conditions, traffic behaviors, and regulatory frameworks. The pilot is expected to generate valuable data that supports wider commercial rollout strategies in international markets.
Hybrid Mobility Model With Uber Integration
Once the pilot begins, Apollo Go’s autonomous fleet will be accessible through Uber’s ride-hailing ecosystem, functioning alongside traditional driver-operated vehicles. This hybrid approach allows passengers to choose autonomous rides while maintaining continuity with existing transport services.
Key elements of the hybrid mobility strategy include:
Strategic Expansion Following Previous Partnerships
The London initiative builds on Apollo Go’s earlier international expansion efforts announced in August, signaling a broader push toward global deployment. By targeting cities with advanced mobility ecosystems, Baidu is positioning Apollo Go as a serious contender in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Testing in London during 2026 will play a crucial role in shaping Apollo Go’s long-term commercialization roadmap. Success in one of the world’s most demanding urban environments could accelerate adoption across other major cities and reinforce confidence in autonomous ride-hailing as a viable mobility solution.
The announcement highlights Apollo Go’s ambition to bring scalable self-driving mobility to major global cities by integrating autonomous vehicles into established ride-hailing platforms. London has been selected as the next testing ground due to its complex urban traffic environment and strong regulatory focus on future mobility solutions.
Baidu Apollo Go Autonomous Vehicles Enter European Testing Phase
The London pilot will deploy dozens of RT6 autonomous vehicles designed specifically for commercial ride-hailing operations. These vehicles are engineered to operate without a safety driver while meeting strict safety and operational standards required for dense urban environments such as London.
By launching Baidu Apollo Go autonomous vehicles in Europe, Baidu aims to validate its autonomous driving technology in diverse road conditions, traffic behaviors, and regulatory frameworks. The pilot is expected to generate valuable data that supports wider commercial rollout strategies in international markets.
Hybrid Mobility Model With Uber Integration
Once the pilot begins, Apollo Go’s autonomous fleet will be accessible through Uber’s ride-hailing ecosystem, functioning alongside traditional driver-operated vehicles. This hybrid approach allows passengers to choose autonomous rides while maintaining continuity with existing transport services.
Key elements of the hybrid mobility strategy include:
- Seamless integration with existing ride-hailing applications
- Gradual scaling of autonomous vehicle availability
- Coexistence with conventional taxis and public transport
- Focus on safety, reliability, and rider trust
Strategic Expansion Following Previous Partnerships
The London initiative builds on Apollo Go’s earlier international expansion efforts announced in August, signaling a broader push toward global deployment. By targeting cities with advanced mobility ecosystems, Baidu is positioning Apollo Go as a serious contender in the autonomous ride-hailing market.
Testing in London during 2026 will play a crucial role in shaping Apollo Go’s long-term commercialization roadmap. Success in one of the world’s most demanding urban environments could accelerate adoption across other major cities and reinforce confidence in autonomous ride-hailing as a viable mobility solution.
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