Baidu’s Apollo Go expands robotaxi tests in Hong Kong as it aims for global reach

Name: What’s it like to ride in China’s AI-driven robotaxi?
Uploaded: 2025-05-11T11:08:55.000Z
Duration: 4 min 6 s
Description: What’s it like to ride in China’s AI-driven robotaxi?

The Baidu unit has received an updated pilot licence, allowing it to double the number of robotaxis operating in a wider area

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An Apollo Go robotaxi navigates the road in Wuhan, Hubei province, in July last year. Photo: Coco Feng

Daniel Renin Shanghai

Published: 7:08pm, 11 May 2025Updated: 5:07pm, 12 May 2025

Corrected [5:01pm, 12 May, 2025]

[5:01pm, 12 May, 2025]
Story has been updated to say Apollo Go's expanded pilot testing of robotaxis covers about 20 streets in Hong Kong

Apollo Go, which operates one of the world’s largest networks of robotaxis, has expanded the testing of its autonomous taxis across more locations in Hong Kong, moving closer to launching its services in the city.

Currently, a fleet of 10 vehicles is operating in about 20 streets such as Cheong Hing Road, Second Sky Street, Airport Expo Boulevard, Tung Yiu Road, the company said on Saturday, without revealing the size of the expanded experimental zone.

Apollo, a unit of the Chinese search engine giant Baidu, said it was granted an updated pilot licence by the city’s Transport Department, allowing it to double the number of its self-driving cabs and conduct tests in new areas. The company initially began tests with five vehicles in North Lantau in December, with humans behind the wheels.

“Hong Kong is Apollo Go’s first right-hand-drive left-hand-traffic market, presenting significant technical and operational differences from mainland China,” the statement said. “We plan to expand Apollo Go’s presence to more countries and regions so more people can experience the safe and convenient travel experience provided by autonomous driving.”

04:06

What’s it like to ride in China’s AI-driven robotaxi?

Hong Kong, a right-hand-drive market, has become a magnet for mainland electric vehicle (EV) makers and autonomous driving firms over the past year as they step up their global expansion pace.