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Recently there was talk about the Apple Car and an alleged launch in late 2021 reportedReuters has now commented on the issue and given concrete details. The date was also mentioned, which differs significantly.
Yesterday, the Taiwanese news site Economic Daily News reported that Project Titan – the Apple Car – could launch in late 2021. Observers consider this date unlikely. Now Reuters has details publishedAccording to the latest report, Apple aims to start production of an Apple-branded self-driving vehicle by 2024. Apple has reportedly been working on a car project – Project Titan – since 2014.
Battery has potential to reduce costs “radically”
At one point, it was suspected that the company had stopped development. Later, insiders stated that Apple was working on autonomous vehicle software. However, these reports were also corrected. According to current rumors, it is indeed a car. Overall, the previous reporting has been very contradictory. Be that as it may – back to Reuters. The news site claims to have received details that offer deeper insight into the Apple Car. Apple is said to have developed a battery design that has the potential to "radically" reduce battery costs and increase the vehicle's range. Specifically, it is said to be a so-called "monocell" design that enlarges the individual battery cells and frees up space inside the battery pack by removing pockets and modules that contain battery materials. This allows for more active material in a smaller package. The report states:
Apple Car: “Next Level” battery technology
Apple's design means more active material can be packed into the battery, giving the car a potentially longer range. Apple is also studying a chemistry for the battery called LFP, or lithium iron phosphate, the person said, which is inherently less likely to overheat and is therefore safer than other types of lithium-ion batteries.
The person reportedly described the battery technology as "next level." Strictly speaking, it's supposed to offer the same performance as the first iPhone. Apple will require a completely new supply chain for this, according to Reuters. The company will reportedly forego an existing manufacturing partner for the vehicle. Apple works with external partners for automotive components, such as LiDAR sensors.
Apple Car: The goal could change in the end
According to the report, the Apple Car could be equipped with multiple LiDAR sensors to scan different distances, and some of these sensors could come from Apple's internally developed LiDAR units. Apple has reportedly held talks with Magna International about producing a car. But these were terminated for unknown reasons - according to the source. Overall, contrary to what Economic Daily News claims, it will still be years before production can start. At the same time, Reuters has warned that the project could ultimately be reduced to software. Nothing is certain yet. (Photo by World Image / Bigstockphoto)
