Chinese tech powerhouse Baidu is set to expand its autonomous vehicle operations to Europe through a new partnership with U.S.-based rideshare platform Lyft. Both companies announced on Monday that they plan to deploy Baidu’s robotaxis in Germany and the United Kingdom by 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
The initiative marks Baidu’s latest move in its global expansion strategy for autonomous mobility, following a similar deal last month with Uber targeting markets in Asia and the Middle East.
Under the partnership, Baidu’s self-driving Apollo Go vehicles will be gradually integrated into Lyft’s platform, with plans to scale the fleet to thousands of units across Europe over the coming years. Specific timelines and additional countries for expansion, however, have not yet been disclosed.
Baidu’s robotaxis are already operational in several Chinese cities. In Wuhan, for instance, over 500 driverless vehicles currently serve customers within designated zones. Shanghai has also issued permits to multiple companies to operate autonomous taxis in its Pudong financial district.
The partnership underscores a broader trend among Chinese technology firms investing heavily in autonomous driving solutions. Companies like Baidu, WeRide, and Pony.ai are positioning themselves as global contenders in the evolving self-driving industry, seeking opportunities beyond China’s fiercely competitive automotive landscape.
WeRide recently launched pilot operations in the Gulf region and secured a project in Switzerland, while Pony.ai signed an agreement to introduce robotaxis through Uber in a key Middle Eastern market by the end of the year.
For Lyft, the collaboration with Baidu builds on its strategic push into Europe. Earlier this year, the San Francisco-based firm acquired German ride-hailing app FreeNow, calling it its “most significant expansion outside North America.”
As autonomous mobility continues gaining momentum worldwide, Baidu’s entry into the European market via Lyft could significantly reshape the future of ride-hailing across the continent.
