Lyft is set to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services across Europe in partnership with Baidu, the Chinese AI and mobility giant, beginning in Germany and the UK from 2026.
The strategic collaboration will see Baidu’s sixth-generation Apollo Go RT6 vehicles integrated into the Lyft platform, pending regulatory approval, with plans to scale operations across the continent in subsequent years.
The move positions Lyft as a frontrunner in Europe’s autonomous mobility sector, leveraging Baidu’s operational expertise and advanced technology. Baidu’s Apollo Go network, which has already logged over 11 million rides across 15 cities globally, will bring its purpose-built, fully electric RT6 vehicles to European roads. These vehicles feature Baidu’s proprietary Autonomous Driving Foundation Model (ADFM), a 10-layer safety redundancy system, and intelligent passenger interaction design.
David Risher, Lyft CEO, emphasised the partnership’s customer-centric focus: “By combining Baidu’s proven AV technology with our platform reach, we’re delivering safer, more reliable, and privacy-conscious mobility options to millions of European riders.”
Lyft will retain control of the operational marketplace, while Baidu provides the vehicles and technical support. The partnership builds on Lyft’s acquisition of FREENOW, which operates in over 180 cities across nine European countries, offering a ready-made infrastructure for AV deployment and regulatory engagement.
With Europe’s growing appetite for sustainable transport and robust urban infrastructure, the partnership aims to establish a benchmark for autonomous ride-hailing services, blending innovation with safety and efficiency.
Lyft and Baidu will work closely with European regulators to ensure all vehicles meet stringent safety and operational standards ahead of the 2026 rollout.