Lyft Partners with Baidu to Launch Autonomous Vehicles in Europe

A Landmark Partnership for European Autonomous Mobility

Lyft teams up with Baidu to deploy Apollo Go autonomous vehicles across key European markets starting in 2026. The service will begin in Germany and the UK, with plans to expand across Europe over several years.

Both companies will collaborate closely with European regulators to ensure safety and compliance with all requirements. Lyft will deploy Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6 autonomous vehicles as its first fully autonomous fleet in Europe.

Combining Advanced Technology with Operational Expertise

Baidu’s Apollo Go offers over 1,000 autonomous vehicles and 11 million global rides, proving its operational excellence worldwide. The RT6 is purpose-built, fully electric, and equipped with Apollo’s latest autonomous driving foundation model technology.

Lyft will manage the operational value chain and marketplace while Baidu provides vehicles and technical validation support. This partnership blends Lyft’s platform reach and Baidu’s cutting-edge technology for safer, greener, and efficient ride-hailing.

Strategic Market Entry and Future Expansion Plans

Lyft will leverage its FREENOW acquisition to accelerate autonomous vehicle deployment in nine European countries and over 180 cities. Initial launches in Germany and the UK will integrate into existing urban transport infrastructure and meet local regulatory standards.

Pending approvals, Lyft plans to grow its autonomous fleet to thousands of vehicles across Europe in the coming years. Together, Lyft and Baidu aim to establish Europe as a global leader in safe, sustainable, and innovative autonomous mobility.