Apple Car news — Apple reportedly in talks with battery suppliers

(Image credit: Leasefetcher)

The Apple tree Motorcar was unsurprisingly absent from the WWDC 2021 keynote this week, but information technology'south all the same not forgotten. The latest we're hearing is that Apple is reportedly in negotiations with Chinese battery makers to supply the power cells for Apple'due south starting time-ever electric car.

That's according to a new study from Reuters, challenge Apple is talking to CATL and BYD. But there is a catch, and it seems Apple tree wants the batteries to be congenital in the U.S.

Everything we know about the Apple Machine
These are the best electric cars yous can purchase right now
Plus: Jaguar I-Pace 2022 is coming — and information technology's bringing advanced features to the US

For those that don't know, CATL is the world's largest supplier of EV batteries, and currently supplies the batteries to some of the world's largest electric carmakers, including Tesla, BMW, and Hyundai. BYD is the fourth-biggest, and partnered with Toyota terminal year to develop electric cars that appeal to drivers.

Reuters' four sources, who asked non to exist named, stressed that talks are still annoying. Discussions are nonetheless subject to alter, and in that location's no guarantee that the talks will be a success.

And Apple'due south status that batteries should be manufactured in the U.Southward. may well kill hopes of partnering with CATL. The company is reportedly hesitant to build a factory in the U.Southward. due to the ongoing political tensions between the U.S. and Chinese governments.

The Apple Car has been rumored for several years at this point, simply there have been a considerable number of reports about the automobile's evolution this year. Apple was allegedly in talks with Hynudai and Kia to have one of the 2 companies manufacture the Apple tree Machine. Unfortunately, those talks reportedly bankrupt down later news of the negotiations went public.

While Apple reportedly spoke to a number of automakers, a number of them expressed business about giving Apple and so much control, and fears that they might get "the Foxconn of the auto industry" — a reference to the Taiwanese company that manufactures the iPhone. Later information technology was reported that LG and Canadian car-parts maker Magna were shut to signing a deal to manufacture the Apple Car.

Apple has never publicly commented on the Apple Car, and declined to offering comment to Reuters' written report.

Co-ordinate to various reports. the Apple Automobile is set to be a fully-autonomous driving motorcar and an all-electric vehicle. Rumors claim Apple is set to offering a monocell battery pattern, to help improve range and safety. The battery itself is besides said to use lithium fe phosphate, because it'south cheaper to produce than batteries made from nickel or cobalt.

Without suppliers for key components similar batteries, it means we're still quite a way from seeing the Apple tree Car on American roads. But the fact that Apple is trying to atomic number 26 out these deals suggests there's some progress being fabricated.

Some reports accept claimed the Apple Car may get in by 2024, though that seems fairly optimistic and will all depend on how successful Apple tree is in dealing with its diverse suppliers. While Apple has had great success in managing the supply chain of its other products, a motorcar is more complex than an iPhone. So we'll have to come across what happens, and if suppliers are willing to hold to Apple'south demands.

More: How long does it take to charge an electric auto? What you need to know

Tom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he tin usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo Britain, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's normally found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.