In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that Apple, the tech giant known for its iPhones and MacBooks, had been secretly working with Chinese automaker BYD on cutting-edge electric vehicle battery technology. This collaboration, which began around 2017, was part of Apple’s now-canceled car project and offers a fascinating glimpse into the company’s automotive ambitions[1][2].
The Partnership
Apple and BYD joined forces to develop a revolutionary battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. The goal was to create batteries that offered longer range and improved safety compared to the typical EV batteries of the time[1]. This partnership brought together Apple’s expertise in advanced battery pack design and heat management with BYD’s manufacturing capabilities and breakthroughs in LFP cell technology[3].
The Technology
The battery system developed through this collaboration was highly customized for Apple’s envisioned electric vehicle. Apple engineers contributed their knowledge of sophisticated battery packs and thermal management, while BYD provided its manufacturing prowess and advancements in LFP cell technology[2][4].
Key aspects of the technology included:
- Use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells
- Focus on longer range and improved safety
- Advanced battery pack design
- Innovative heat management systems
The Team
The project was spearheaded by notable figures from both companies:
- Alexander Hitzinger: Led Apple’s side of the collaboration. A former senior executive at Volkswagen and Porsche, Hitzinger brought valuable automotive industry experience to the project[1][4].
- Mujeeb Ijaz: Oversaw a team of about 50 battery engineers at Apple. Ijaz is a battery expert who previously worked at the now-defunct A123 Systems[1].
- Michael He: Vice President of BYD’s battery business, led the efforts for the Chinese company[2].
The Outcome
While Apple ultimately doesn’t own the rights to BYD’s current Blade battery technology, insiders suggest that the design of BYD’s Blade battery was influenced by Apple’s early contributions, particularly in the areas of safety and energy storage[1][3]. Today, the Blade battery is a key feature in BYD’s electric vehicles, contributing to the company’s significant growth in EV sales[1].
Apple’s Car Project
This collaboration was part of Apple’s larger car project, often referred to as “Project Titan.” The company invested approximately $1 billion per year over the past decade into this initiative[2][4]. Despite the substantial investment and the promising battery technology developed with BYD, Apple ultimately decided to cancel the car project in February 2024[2].
Legacy and Future Implications
Although Apple’s car dreams didn’t materialize, the battery development work with BYD wasn’t in vain. The technology and expertise gained from this project have reportedly contributed to other areas of Apple’s technology portfolio, including:
- The Vision Pro headset
- The Neural Engine AI processor found in many Apple devices[2]
Moreover, this collaboration highlights the increasing importance of partnerships between tech companies and traditional automakers in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
In conclusion, while Apple’s secret partnership with BYD didn’t result in an Apple-branded car, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to explore new territories. As the automotive industry continues its electric transformation, we may see more unexpected collaborations shaping the future of transportation.
Citations:
[1] https://interestingengineering.com/energy/apple-byd-long-range-ev-battery-success
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/17/apple-ev-battery-tech-china-byd/
[3] https://www.arenaev.com/apple_was_secretly_working_with_byd_on_lfp_battery_tech-news-4028.php
[4] https://www.yahoo.com/tech/turns-apple-cahoots-byd-secretive-151921692.html
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1g5qa07/apples_secret_byd_collaboration_pioneered/
[6] https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1144758_report-apple-worked-with-china-s-byd-to-develop-ev-batteries
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/BYD/comments/1g60bhh/apples_secret_byd_collaboration_pioneered/
[8] https://www.pcmag.com/news/chinese-researchers-reportedly-crack-encryption-with-quantum-computer
