Baidu and Lyft target 2027 for driverless London service

· Automotive & EV · United Kingdom · China

Baidu and Lyft are targeting 2027 to launch a driverless service in London, according to Automotive World. The plan would make London the main Western test bed for Chinese autonomous driving technology at a time when the US is moving to ban Chinese cars, and as the UK weighs EV tariffs. The tie-up pairs Baidu's autonomous driving stack with Lyft's ride-hailing platform, giving the Chinese company a European route to market. The immediate effect would be a new competitive front in London's ride-hailing market, and a test of whether UK regulators will allow Chinese-developed robotaxis to operate commercially.

Why it matters：A commercial Baidu robotaxi service in London would test whether Chinese autonomous driving can enter Western markets despite security concerns, and set a precedent for other cities.

Key points

  • The target launch year is 2027.
  • The US is moving to ban Chinese cars while the UK weighs EV tariffs.

Sources (original reporting)

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