Baidu, a Chinese AI company with a strong foundation in internet services, and Lyft, one of the largest transportation networks in North America and Europe, have announced a partnership to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles (AVs) across key European markets via the Lyft platform.

The collaboration marks a significant step in Baidu’s international expansion and positions Lyft to further its role in the development of autonomous mobility in Europe.

Initial deployments are expected to begin in Germany and the United Kingdom in 2026, subject to regulatory approval.

The fleet is anticipated to scale to several thousand vehicles across the continent over the following years.

Under the agreement, Lyft will introduce Baidu’s sixth-generation Apollo Go vehicles as its first autonomous solution in the region.

Robin Li, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Baidu, commented:

“This collaboration represents our commitment to making autonomous mobility accessible worldwide while working with local partners who understand their communities. By integrating Baidu’s cutting-edge autonomous driving technology with Lyft’s platform reach and operational expertise, we’re excited to deliver safer, greener, and more efficient mobility solutions to more users.”

Lyft CEO David Risher added:

“Our partnership with Baidu is all about creating a great customer experience. Their extensive track record operating the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing service means we can bring all the benefits of AVs, safety, reliability, and privacy, to millions of Europeans. It’s part of our hybrid network approach, where AVs and human drivers work together to provide customer-obsessed options for riders.”

Baidu’s Apollo Go platform has accumulated over 11 million rides and operates more than 1,000 AVs across 15 cities, including extensive deployments in China such as Wuhan.

The vehicles, including the fully electric, purpose-built RT6 model, incorporate the Apollo Autonomous Driving Foundation Model and are designed for ride-hailing services with built-in safety and performance features.

When deployed in Europe, these rides will be available through Lyft’s existing platform.

As part of the agreement, Lyft will manage operations and customer-facing services, while Baidu will supply the vehicles and offer technical validation and support.

The collaboration builds on Lyft’s strategic direction to operate as a platform and fleet manager for autonomous vehicle providers and fleet owners.

Deployment efforts will also draw on Lyft’s acquisition of FREENOW, which operates in nine European countries and over 180 cities.

FREENOW’s existing footprint in Germany and the UK, along with its relationships with regulators and taxi operators, is expected to support the integration of autonomous vehicles into local transport systems.

Launch plans will proceed following regulatory approvals in each market.

The RT6 vehicles will be equipped with Baidu’s advanced sensor suite, a multi-layer safety redundancy system, and interaction technology. Baidu and Lyft will engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory frameworks.

The partnership reflects the growing interest in autonomous technologies across Europe and aims to contribute to the region’s shift towards more sustainable and efficient transport systems.

 

Featured image credit: Lyft