US-based Lyft unit Freenow and China’s Baidu unveiled an autonomous vehicle in London on Thursday, aiming for a fully driverless robotaxi launch by 2027 following summer testing with safety drivers.
The partnership between San Francisco-based ride-hailing firm Lyft and China’s Baidu brought the RT6 autonomous vehicle to London streets on Thursday.
The two companies started testing vehicles equipped with safety drivers during the summer. They are targeting fully driverless operations next year ahead of a commercial rollout in 2027.
US Senate Pressure Hits London Market Rivalry
The transatlantic collaboration comes as the US Senate works to pass a permanent ban on Chinese cars domestically. International developers are now pushing their expansion efforts toward Europe.
Competition across the British capital’s autonomous sector is accelerating rapidly.
Rival services are already staking claims across the city. UK self-driving startup Wayve paired with Lyft competitor Uber to launch a robotaxi service in September, operating initially with human safety drivers behind the wheel. Alphabet unit Waymo aims to deploy its own fully driverless ride-hailing service in London before the end of the year.
Freenow Tests Cars in Demanding City Conditions
Freenow UK general manager Danny O’Gorman pointed out that the city provides a demanding testing ground characterized by numerous speed bumps, tight roadways, and widespread 20-mile-per-hour limits.
So the car is going through the phase of learning the rules of the road much like you would do if you’re trying to pass your own driving test.
Danny O’Gorman, Freenow UK general manager
O’Gorman participated in a demonstration ride to showcase the vehicle’s progress while coordinating closely with Transport for London. He anticipates formal regulatory guidelines within the coming week.
He acknowledged that emerging technology can sometimes be scary
for the public, though he noted that most residents remain enthusiastic about the prospect.
Protecting London’s Iconic Black Cabs
Addressing potential concerns from the city’s traditional transport sector, O’Gorman emphasized that the autonomous fleet is not designed to supplant existing services.
The firm plans to introduce tens of vehicles in the next year or two
while evaluating customer demand.
In terms of the taxi in London, the iconic black cab, this is not a replacement for that service.
Danny O’Gorman, Freenow UK general manager
Black cabs are a fundamental part of London,
O’Gorman added as the companies prepare for their next phase of testing.