Baidu has secured the first-ever license to test autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong. This approval paves the way for the expansion of Baidu’s self-driving taxi service, Apollo Go, beyond mainland China.
The Hong Kong Transport Department granted Baidu a five-year permit to operate 10 autonomous vehicles in the North Lantau area. While this is a major step forward, the trial phase comes with strict regulations. Initially, only one autonomous vehicle will be permitted on the designated roads at a time, operating during specific hours: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This approach was put in place to ensure safety while exploring the potential of autonomous technology.
The Apollo Go service will begin its trials on a predefined route linking Hong Kong International Airport to a nearby parking facility along Chek Kap Kok South Road. To enhance safety during the early stages, a backup operator will remain on board to take control if necessary.
Along with being the first autonomous vehicle license in Hong Kong, it is also Baidu’s first right-hand-drive deployment, catering to Hong Kong’s driving norms.
Baidu’s push into Hong Kong is part of a broader strategy to expand Apollo Go’s footprint globally. The service, which has already in place in over 10 Chinese cities, including Wuhan and Chongqing, now aims to establish a presence in other regions, including Singapore and the Middle East.
In mainland China, Apollo Go has facilitated over 8 million autonomous journeys, cementing its status as a leader in the self-driving space.
Baidu’s entry into Hong Kong is part of the city’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its transportation infrastructure. The local government has been promoting autonomous vehicles since 2017, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that a new regulatory framework enabled broader trials. These trials aim to connect key infrastructure, such as the airport, with developing urban centers, setting the stage for a future where driverless vehicles play a pivotal role in Hong Kong’s transportation ecosystem.
