Baidu to launch Apollo Go robotaxis in Singapore, Malaysia

Baidu Inc. is preparing to launch its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Singapore and Malaysia this year, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The company is in talks with local taxi operators and mobility service providers to build effective business models.

Baidu CEO Robin Li prefers collaborations with established local entities.

This move aligns with a broader trend of Chinese and global robotaxi companies expanding internationally.

Apollo Go, along with rivals like Weride Inc. and Pony AI Inc., is eyeing markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Baidu’s service has deployed over 1,000 self-driving vehicles, mostly in China, and completed 11 million rides as of Q1 2025.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Singapore’s strategic position as an AV testing ground attracts global players

Baidu’s targeting of Singapore for its first Southeast Asian expansion is no coincidence. The city-state ranks second globally in the KPMG Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index, evaluated on policy, technology, infrastructure, and consumer acceptance1.

Singapore has implemented comprehensive regulations allowing AV testing on public roads, with the Land Transport Authority overseeing safety protocols and data collection, creating an ideal environment for robotaxi deployment1.

The country’s high-quality road infrastructure and mobile networks further enhance its attractiveness. However, a noted limitation is the insufficient number of electric vehicle charging stations needed to support large-scale robotaxi fleets1.

Singapore has invested heavily in testing facilities like the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles (Cetran), providing Baidu with established frameworks to test its technology in real-world conditions1.

This regulatory environment contrasts sharply with other Southeast Asian nations where infrastructure limitations and regulatory uncertainty present significant barriers to autonomous vehicle deployment.

2️⃣ Chinese robotaxi operators leverage cost advantages for global expansion

Baidu’s international push is supported by significant cost advantages. Chinese robotaxis operate at approximately 35 cents per mile compared to $2 per mile in the U.S., enabling more competitive pricing in new markets2.