Apple Car has been rumoured for years, but a recent report shared by Reuters states Apple is aiming to begin production on its self-driving electric vehicle in 2024.
Apple has been working on a car since 2014, but throughout the years, it seemed Apple shifted its efforts to autonomous vehicle software. After multiple management changes and hiring, Apple’s work on an electric autonomous vehicle has ramped up and now feels a vehicle can be produced for consumers.
An unnamed source told Reuters that Apple is currently developing a new battery design which could ‘radically’ reduce the cost of batteries and increasing the range, which has been an issue for electric vehicles with a high cost and low range.
Apple’s rumoured ‘monocell’ design will increase the number of battery cells while freeing up space inside the pack by removing modules allowing for a smaller and more active package.
Apple’s design means that more active material can be packed inside the battery, giving the car a potentially longer range. Apple is also examining a chemistry for the battery called LFP, or lithium iron phosphate, the person said, which is inherently less likely to overheat and is thus safer than other types of lithium-ion batteries.
Apple is said to rely on a manufacturing partner to build the vehicles, with additional partners for components such as LiDAR sensors.
Earlier, Apple was in talks with Magna International about car production but talks ended after Apple’s plans were unclear and Apple was required to commit to a high volume of sales to enter a contract with 100,000 vehicles annually.
