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It has been reported for some time that Apple is developing its electric vehicle – the Apple Car – independently and without the support of another car manufacturer. But why?
In accordance with an earlier report by Reuters explained The Korean newspaper Economic Daily reported that the company has had its own research and development department for automobiles since 2014. Due to development challenges, Apple is said to have contacted various car manufacturers, including BMW, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. The aim was to explore joint development and contract manufacturing agreements.
Apple wanted to prevent further delays
It is believed that Apple's own automotive research and development department ceased operations in 2016. Independently, self-driving software research continued. Talks with automakers apparently failed due to repeated delays and the industry's overall shift to electric vehicles, which slowed progress on a joint development and production agreement. In addition, some major automakers were reluctant to act as suppliers to Apple. After those talks came to nothing, Apple returned to its own development and restarted its vehicle research department in full operation.
Apple Car: Market launch not expected before 2025
The company wanted to avoid further delays. At least according to internal sources, that is the real reason. Although Doug Field, Apple's vice president of special projects, recently left the company to join Ford, it is believed that hundreds of engineers are still working on the vehicle. Furthermore, Apple is said to have sent a Request for Information (RFI), a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to global automotive suppliers. This is understood as a signal that the final suppliers for Apple's car are now being selected for outsourced production. However, this does not mean that the Apple Car will be released any time soon - on the contrary. In agreement with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the report assumes that the vehicle will be launched between 2025 and 2027. (Photo by Unsplash / Randy Tarampi)
