Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service has received the green light to conduct trials in Hong Kong, marking the first time the company has been allowed to test its autonomous vehicles outside of mainland China.
The Hong Kong Transport Department recently announced the issuance of a pilot license for autonomous vehicles, permitting the operation of 10 robotaxis on North Lantau. While the official statement did not mention the applicant’s name, it was revealed that the license was granted to Baidu Apollo International Ltd, the operator of the Apollo Go platform.
The license will be valid from December 9, 2024, to December 8, 2029, with the initial phase allowing for the operation of one autonomous private car at a time on specific roads. During the trial period, a backup operator will be present in the vehicle to take control when necessary.
Hong Kong has been actively promoting autonomous vehicles since 2017, with the introduction of new regulatory legislation earlier this year paving the way for wider trials on public roads. The new regulatory regime, which came into effect on March 1, 2024, offers a flexible framework for the operation of robotaxis.
To support innovation in vehicle-related technology, the Hong Kong government launched the $1 billion Smart Traffic Fund in 2021, funding 12 projects related to autonomous vehicles. The pilot license issued to Baidu marks the first permit granted under the new regulatory regime and the company’s first venture into autonomous vehicle testing outside of China.
Baidu submitted its application for the autonomous vehicle test license last month, with plans to begin testing Apollo Go in Hong Kong by the end of the year. The company, a pioneer in self-driving technology since 2013, currently offers Apollo Go services in over 10 cities in mainland China.
In May this year, Baidu unveiled its sixth-generation robotaxi, priced at 200,000 yuan ($27,610), a significant decrease from the previous model. The company aims to deploy 1,000 of these new robotaxis in Wuhan by the end of 2024, further expanding its autonomous vehicle fleet.
Overall, Baidu’s entry into the Hong Kong market for autonomous vehicles marks a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to revolutionize transportation and mobility solutions. With the support of the local government and the successful implementation of trials, Apollo Go is poised to make a positive impact on the future of transportation in Hong Kong.
