Apple’s long-rumored Apple Car project, which was never officially acknowledged, reportedly involved a key partnership with China’s BYD to develop advanced batteries for the vehicle. Although the project was ultimately canceled before reaching the public, insider reports have provided new details about Apple’s collaboration with BYD on battery technology.
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple and BYD began working together around 2017, focusing on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells for the Apple Car. These batteries promised improved safety and longer range compared to typical electric vehicle batteries. BYD, known for its own electric vehicles, was tasked with manufacturing the battery, which would be exclusively designed for Apple’s use. Apple’s team brought in engineers with expertise in battery packs and heat management, while BYD contributed its advanced LFP technology and production capabilities.
One significant aspect of the partnership was BYD’s “Blade” battery, which Apple executives reportedly found impressive due to its safety and performance. Although BYD presented an early version of the Blade battery to Apple, and the two companies worked together for several years, Apple eventually reconsidered its approach and explored options from other battery manufacturers.
The Apple Car project, also known as Project Titan, had been in development since at least 2014. Apple initially reached out to various automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and even Tesla, to seek their expertise. Over the years, the project shifted in scope—from an ambitious plan for a fully autonomous vehicle to more scaled-back concepts.
Despite the investment of over $1 billion annually and extensive collaboration with partners like BYD, Apple ultimately canceled the project. Reports indicate that Apple had planned to sell its electric vehicle for around $120,000, but the technical and logistical challenges of producing a car proved too complex for the company. Many details about the project have since come to light, thanks to insiders who worked on Titan.
Though the Apple Car never materialized, the collaboration with BYD highlights Apple’s deep interest in electric vehicle technology and battery innovation. Whether Apple will revisit the idea in the future remains uncertain, but the lessons learned from this ambitious project will likely influence its future endeavors in transportation and energy.
