Baidu, Inc. the Chinese technology conglomerate renowned for its expertise in Internet-based offerings, products, and artificial intelligence (AI), has received official licensing to commence commercial operations of its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Shenzhen. This groundbreaking development allows Baidu’s robotaxis to offer ride-hailing services without the presence of a safety operator inside the vehicle. Shenzhen now joins the ranks of Wuhan, Chongqing, and Beijing as the fourth Chinese city to experience the convenience and innovation of this autonomous service.
Following the acquisition of the latest license, Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles will be granted permission to operate within a sizable 188 sq. km expanse in Shenzhen. Operating hours extend from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., accommodating the commuting needs of both morning and evening travelers. To access this convenient service, users can utilize various platforms such as the Apollo Go app or mini-program, in addition to Baidu Maps, Baidu App, and similar interfaces. The expansion of the commercial fully driverless ride-hailing service opens doors to a wider audience of paying users.
Having obtained China’s inaugural permit for offering commercial fully driverless robotaxi services on public roads in August 2022, Baidu’s Apollo Go service successfully launched in Chongqing and Wuhan, two bustling megacities in China. The company’s ambition for 2023 includes deploying an additional 200 fully driverless robotaxis and establishing the world’s largest fully driverless ride-hailing zone. These efforts are set to contribute to the rapid and high-quality advancement of China’s autonomous driving industry.
The meteoric rise of Apollo Go continues as it rapidly expands its active user base and experiences an upsurge in user engagement. The year 2022 witnessed a near doubling of active users compared to the previous year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the service. Moreover, the percentage of users who took rides more than 4 days per month increased by an impressive 8.06% compared to the previous year.
Notably, the cumulative number of rides taken through Apollo Go surpassed the remarkable milestone of 2 million rides by the first quarter of 2023. This achievement showcases the unwavering trust and confidence that users have placed in the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing service provider.
The recent approval of Apollo Go’s commercial fully driverless operations in Shenzhen signifies the city’s pioneering role in the intelligent connected vehicle industry.
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