Chinese Robotaxis May Launch UK Trials in 2026 as Uber and Lyft Partner With Baidu

Chinese autonomous taxis could begin operating on UK roads by 2026 after Uber and Lyft announced plans to partner with Chinese technology company Baidu to trial driverless vehicles in London. Both companies are seeking government approval to test Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis, a move that could mark an important step in the UK’s adoption of self-driving transport. 

Baidu’s Apollo Go service already operates in several cities, mainly in China, where it has completed millions of passenger journeys without a human driver. If approved, the UK trials would represent the first large-scale use of Chinese-developed robotaxis in Europe, placing London among key global hubs working toward autonomous mobility. 

The UK government has welcomed the development. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the announcement supports Britain’s plans for self-driving vehicles and confirmed that the government is preparing to allow autonomous cars to carry passengers under a pilot scheme starting in spring. The Department for Transport is developing regulations to enable small autonomous taxi- and bus-style services from 2026, with an emphasis on responsible and safe deployment. 

Uber has said it plans to begin UK driverless car trials as regulations evolve, partnering with Baidu to help position Britain as a leader in future transport while offering Londoners another travel option. Lyft has also expressed interest, stating that London could become

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