Apple collaborated with the Chinese automaker BYD for several years on its now-abandoned car project, focusing on the development of long-range batteries that contributed to the foundation of current technologies, as reported by sources familiar with the matter.
Also Read: Surgeons share how Apple Vision Pro is transforming operating room safety
Apple Secretly Developed Long-Range EV Battery Tech with China’s BYD https://t.co/iH4SEEActh pic.twitter.com/zJQlD7zWij
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) October 17, 2024
The partnership began around 2017, with the aim of creating a battery system utilizing lithium iron phosphate cells, according to these sources, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the initiative, reports Bloomberg News.
This technology was intended to offer greater range and enhanced safety compared to conventional electric vehicle batteries available at that time. Although Apple does not possess any rights to the technology employed in BYD’s existing Blade batteries, the collaboration illustrates the extent of Apple’s commitment to producing a vehicle.
Over the past decade, the tech giant invested approximately $1 billion annually in this vehicle project, which was often regarded as one of the company’s potential breakthroughs, before ultimately discontinuing it in February. The technology developed in conjunction with BYD was specifically tailored for the previously envisioned vehicle, as indicated by the sources.
During this discreet partnership, Apple engineers contributed their expertise in advanced battery systems and thermal management, while BYD provided manufacturing expertise and innovations related to lithium iron phosphate cells, commonly referred to as LFP.
The groundwork for Apple’s collaboration with BYD was established nearly ten years ago when the American company was in search of essential technologies for its automotive ambitions.
Apple secretly partners with BYD on long-range EV battery https://t.co/tnhZE1xalH
— Tech in Asia (@techinasia) October 17, 2024
BYD engineers showcased early iterations of the Blade battery to Apple executives, who recognized the technology’s safety features and energy storage potential. Ultimately, Apple aimed for modifications that would improve the range of an electric vehicle, according to the sources.
Also Read: iOS 18 sparks battery woes: iPhone 16 owners report excessive drain