Baidu has secured a license to conduct trials for its Apollo Go robo-taxi service in Hong Kong, marking a notable expansion of its operations beyond mainland China, according to a report published by Reuters on Nov. 30.
The license, granted by Hong Kong's Transport Department to Baidu Apollo International Ltd., authorizes the company to test 10 autonomous vehicles in North Lantau. This license is set to be valid from Dec. 9, 2024, to Dec. 8, 2029. However, during the initial phase of the trial, only one self-driving car will be allowed to operate on specified road sections at any given time. Additionally, for safety, each vehicle will be equipped with a backup operator onboard who can take control of the car if necessary.
The Hong Kong government has been a proponent of autonomous vehicles since 2017, promoting their development and testing. However, it is only after the enactment of new legislation in March 2024 that the government has begun allowing wider trials, including on public roads. This makes Baidu's license the first pilot license issued under the new regulatory framework in Hong Kong, and notably, Baidu's first permission for testing autonomous vehicles outside mainland China. Apollo Go, the company's robo-taxi service, boasts the largest fleet of over 400 vehicles operating in numerous cities across mainland China, including a significant presence in Wuhan, mainland China.
