After 10 years of developing EV
Apple has finally joined forces with China’s BYD
The collaboration focuses on developing EV batteries
After ten years of working on electric vehicle (EV) development, Apple has officially joined forces with Chinese EV giant BYD, sparking significant industry interest. Apple had initially set out to create its own self-driving EV, the Apple Car, but the project was canceled in February of this year.
According to Bloomberg, Apple and BYD have collaborated since 2017, working on LFP (lithium iron phosphate) blade batteries as part of Apple’s broader EV ambitions.
Apple’s Focus on Enhanced Driving Range with BYD’s Battery Technology
Apple was reportedly impressed by BYD’s Blade battery, which has been praised for its performance in electric vehicles. Apple customized versions of BYD’s Blade battery for its own EVs, aiming to boost the vehicles’ driving range.
Before partnering with BYD, Apple had been exploring nickel and alkaline battery technologies. Through the partnership, Apple provided expertise in advanced battery pack design and thermal management, while BYD contributed its cutting-edge LFP battery technology and manufacturing know-how, leading to the development of an advanced battery system.
BYD’s Rise, Apple’s EV Retreat
While Apple ultimately scrapped its plans to produce a self-driving EV, BYD has continued to thrive, bolstered by its innovative battery technology. The collaboration on LFP batteries is widely believed to have played a significant role in BYD’s ascent to become the world’s leading EV manufacturer.
According to SNE Research, BYD sold 1.841 million electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), from January to July, securing the top spot in global EV sales. BYD closely trails Tesla in terms of pure electric vehicles, with approximately 835,000 units sold compared to Tesla’s 954,000.
Criticism Over Intellectual Property Ownership as BYD Benefits
BYD’s success has also benefited from growing domestic demand in China, where consumers increasingly favor Chinese-made vehicles over imported models. In the first half of the year, BYD’s sales surged by 25.7% year-over-year, solidifying its leadership in the EV market.
BYD asserts that the LFP Blade battery was developed entirely by its own engineers and holds full ownership of the technology and patents. Although Apple’s expertise in battery development has contributed to innovations like the Vision Pro and Neural Engine AI processors, critics argue that Apple’s involvement helped accelerate BYD’s growth, positioning it as a key player in the Chinese EV industry.
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