Baidu's Apollo Go Teams Up with FreeNow to Launch Robotaxi Trials in London, Aiming for Public Launch by 2027

Baidu’s Apollo Go (known as "Luobo Kuaipao" in China) and FreeNow, the European mobility platform owned by Lyft, launched robotaxi testing in London, UK, on July 28, 2024. The tests utilize the Apollo RT6 vehicle model, equipped with safety operators, and are initially taking place in the London Borough of Brent—a mixed urban and suburban area. Both parties plan to begin offering autonomous ride-hailing services to the public starting in 2027. Thomas Zimmermann, CEO of FreeNow, stated that this collaboration aims to integrate Apollo Go’s autonomous vehicles—specifically designed for shared mobility—into FreeNow’s ecosystem to support London’s professional driver community and provide residents with more sustainable transportation options, thereby promoting shared mobility as an alternative to private car ownership.