Uber and Lyft are partnering with Chinese tech giant Baidu to launch driverless taxi trials in the UK starting in 2026. Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 vehicles will be integrated into the ride-hailing platforms’ London networks, setting the stage for direct competition between U.S. and Chinese autonomous vehicle leaders in Europe. This move follows Alphabet-owned Waymo’s supervised robotaxi tests in London, highlighting the city’s growing role as a hub for autonomous transport innovation.
The UK has become a prime testing ground for robotaxis thanks to the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which provides a clear legal framework for liability. Unlike the fragmented regulations across the European Union, the UK law shifts responsibility for accidents from passengers to the “authorized self-driving entity.” This clarity has attracted global companies eager to test and commercialize autonomous fleets in London’s complex urban environment.
Local startup Wayve is also preparing to join the race in 2026, backed by a $1 billion investment led by SoftBank and Uber. Wayve’s unique “mapless” AI technology aims to navigate London’s challenging streets without relying on pre-mapped data, positioning it as a strong competitor against global giants like Baidu and Waymo. The UK trials are part of a broader global expansion, with Baidu and WeRide extending operations into regions such as the Middle East and Switzerland, while cities like San Francisco, Austin, Abu Dhabi, and Wuhan have already become major robotaxi hubs.
Despite the promise of safer, greener, and more cost-efficient rides, profitability remains uncertain. Companies like Pony.ai and WeRide are still operating at a loss, and analysts warn that the high costs of autonomous fleets could strain margins for Uber and Lyft. Experts suggest hybrid networks combining robotaxis with human drivers may be the most practical way to balance demand and pricing. For Lyft, the UK trial also marks a key step in its international expansion, following its $200 million acquisition of European taxi app FreeNow earlier this year.