Lyft Partners with Baidu to Launch Robotaxis in Europe by 2026

Lyft is gearing up for a significant expansion into the European ride-hailing market, announcing a strategic partnership with Chinese technology powerhouse Baidu. The collaboration aims to bring Baidu’s advanced robotaxis to multiple European locations, with initial plans focusing on Germany and the United Kingdom for a 2026 launch, contingent upon regulatory approvals.

Under this alliance, Baidu’s RT6 vehicles, equipped with its sophisticated Apollo Go autonomous driving system, will be integrated directly into Lyft’s existing ride-hailing application. Lyft CEO David Risher described this initiative as a prime example of the company’s “hybrid network approach,” where autonomous vehicles and human drivers will co-exist to provide flexible and customer-focused mobility options.

This move represents a strategic entry into Europe for Lyft, which has historically concentrated its operations within the United States and Canada since its debut in 2012. Earlier this year, Lyft solidified its European foothold by agreeing to acquire the German multi-mobility app FREENOW from BMW and Mercedes-Benz Mobility for approximately $197 million in cash, effectively opening up new markets.

In the competitive landscape of autonomous mobility, both Lyft and rival Uber have shifted their focus from developing in-house AV programs to securing partnerships with companies possessing mature self-driving technology. This strategic pivot positions Baidu as a key player for ride-sharing giants looking to advance their autonomous service offerings.

While Uber has cultivated a broad network of over 18 partnerships across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking sectors, Lyft has also been diligently building its autonomous capabilities. The company intends to incorporate autonomous shuttles from Austrian manufacturer Benteler Group into its network by late 2026 and plans to deploy vehicles from May Mobility in Atlanta later this year.

The partnership with Baidu underscores Lyft’s ambition to bolster its global presence and enhance its service portfolio by integrating cutting-edge autonomous technology into new international markets.