In a move set to redefine urban mobility, the Chinese internet giant Baidu and US rideshare platform Lyft announced plans to launch Apollo Go robotaxis in Germany and Britain by 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Building on last months agreement with Uber across Asia and the Middle East, this partnership aims to roll out thousands of autonomous vehicles across Europe in the coming years. While specific countries beyond Germany and Britain remain under wraps, the ambitious plan underscores a growing global race in driverless technology.
Driverless taxis are no longer a sci fi dream. In the United States and the Chinese mainland, fleets are already on the road with limited operations. For example, Wuhan residents can hail over 500 Apollo Go cars via an app within designated zones. Meanwhile, Shanghais financial district, Pudong, has recently issued permits to multiple companies, signaling a rapid expansion in one of the worlds busiest metropolises.
Baidu isnt alone in this international push. Rival startup WeRide is running pilot projects in the Gulf and Switzerland, and Pony.AI has inked a deal to serve Uber users in a key Middle East market later this year. Meanwhile, Lyft is staking its claim in Europe with its April acquisition of the German taxi app Freenow its biggest move beyond North America.
As technology, regulations, and user demand converge, Europe could soon see a new era of sustainable, driver free transportation. For digital natives, entrepreneurs, and globetrotters alike, the era of hailing a robotaxi could be closer than ever.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
