Lyft unit Freenow and Baidu unveiled Baidu's RT6 autonomous vehicle in London and said they hope to launch a driverless robotaxi service there in 2027. Testing with safety drivers began in the summer, and the companies aim to have fully driverless vehicles in the city next year.
Freenow and Baidu unveiled Baidu's RT6 autonomous vehicle in London on Thursday, after beginning tests with safety drivers during the summer. The companies hope to have fully driverless vehicles in the city next year and aim for a commercial robotaxi launch in 2027.
Freenow UK general manager Danny O'Gorman said London's speed bumps, narrow streets and roads limited to 20 miles per hour make it a good testing ground. The company is working with Transport for London and expects regulatory guidelines in the coming week. O'Gorman said Freenow is discussing “tens of vehicles in the next year or two” and that robotaxis are not intended to replace black cabs.
Uber and UK self-driving vehicle startup Wayve launched a robotaxi service in London in September, initially with a human safety driver. Waymo aims to launch a fully driverless ride-hailing service in London by the end of this year.
