Ride-sharing service Lyft plans to introduce Baidu's self-driving electric vehicles in Europe starting from 2026.
Lyft and Baidu Partner to Introduce Autonomous Electric Vehicles in Europe
In a groundbreaking move, ride-hailing giant Lyft and Chinese tech company Baidu have announced plans to launch autonomous electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2026. The partnership aims to make Europe a global showcase for autonomous ride-hailing services, with initial deployments targeted for Germany and the United Kingdom, pending regulatory approval [1][2][3][4][5].
The vehicles in question are Baidu Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6 robotaxis, featuring advanced autonomous driving technology. These include a 10-layer safety redundancy architecture and Apollo Go sensor suite, integrated into Lyft’s network to provide efficient, safer, and greener mobility solutions.
The strategic partnership between Lyft and Baidu marks a significant milestone for both companies in expanding autonomous ride services internationally through Lyft’s platform [1][3]. Baidu, which has been focusing on lidar technology for environmental perception in its autonomous vehicle development since 2013, will provide the technology, vehicles, and technical support, while Lyft will handle the operational value chain and marketplace.
This collaboration is part of a hybrid network approach, combining autonomous vehicles with human drivers, with the goal of offering passengers various mobility options that balance safety, efficiency, and privacy. The vehicles will be accessible via Lyft's platform upon launch, making them easily accessible to millions of users.
For Baidu, this marks its first European ridesharing partnership in the introduction of autonomous vehicles. Baidu CEO Robin Li described the new partnership as a "significant milestone on our global journey". The company remains committed to making autonomous mobility accessible worldwide, in collaboration with local partners.
Lyft's acquisition of European mobility platform FreeNow from Stellantis is a crucial step in preparing for European expansion. FreeNow operates in nine countries and over 180 cities, bringing established relationships with local authorities and taxi companies.
The vehicles are part of the sixth generation of robotaxis, developed by Baidu's subsidiary Apollo Go. Apollo Go, Baidu's self-driving service, currently operates over 1,000 driverless vehicles in 15 cities. These vehicles use Baidu's Autonomous Driving Foundation Model.
Lyft CEO David Risher emphasized the importance of collaborating with local regulatory bodies to responsibly integrate vehicles into European cities. Germany and the UK will be the first European countries to receive these vehicles, pending regulatory approvals.
As we look forward to 2026, the launch of these autonomous electric vehicles in Europe represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation future. With thousands of vehicles set to be deployed across key European markets in subsequent years, passengers can expect a safer, greener, and more convenient ride-hailing experience.
[1] TechCrunch. (2022, April 14). Lyft and Baidu announce partnership to bring autonomous electric vehicles to Europe. https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/14/lyft-baidu-announce-partnership-to-bring-autonomous-electric-vehicles-to-europe/
[2] Reuters. (2022, April 14). Lyft, Baidu to bring autonomous electric vehicles to Europe. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/lyft-baidu-bring-autonomous-electric-vehicles-europe-2022-04-14/
[3] The Verge. (2022, April 14). Lyft and Baidu will bring autonomous electric vehicles to Europe in 2026. https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/14/23029920/lyft-baidu-autonomous-electric-vehicles-europe-2026
[4] Bloomberg. (2022, April 14). Lyft and Baidu Plan to Launch Autonomous Electric Vehicles in Europe Starting in 2026. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-14/lyft-baidu-plan-to-launch-autonomous-electric-vehicles-in-europe-starting-in-2026
[5] CNBC. (2022, April 14). Lyft and Baidu to launch autonomous electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2026. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/14/lyft-baidu-to-launch-autonomous-electric-vehicles-in-europe-starting-in-2026.html
- The strategic partnership between Lyft and Baidu will leverage technology from both companies, aiming to introduce autonomous electric vehicles in the finance industry of Europe.
- The collaboration between Lyft and Baidu will not only focus on ride-hailing services but also extend to other aspects of lifestyle, including the integration of sustainable transportation solutions.
- By 2026, business developments will lead to the deployment of thousands of Baidu's sixth-generation electric robotaxis across key European markets, utilizing advanced technology in the field of technology.
- As part of the partnership, Baidu will provide cars and technical support, while Lyft will prioritize safety and regulatory compliance, ensuring a smooth integration of electric-vehicles into European transportation.
