Apple Car rumor claims Korean suppliers are 'at war' over key parts

Apple Car rumor claims Korean suppliers are 'at war' over cardinal parts

(Paradigm credit: Vanarama)

When are we going to run into the Apple tree Car? At this indicate it's anyone's guess, but backside the scenes chatter suggests that Apple tree is even so working on making its first EV a reality. Or, at least, that's what a new supply concatenation report from Korea IT News claims.

According to the study, Apple visited Republic of korea last month, with the goal of coming together companies interested in manufacturing electric components for the Apple Car. Every bit a result, some companies have formed their own 'Apple tree Machine task forces' in response.

Patently, the Korean parts manufacture has now "started a war" to be involved with the Apple Car supply concatenation. Apple is reportedly very interested in sourcing a number of its core parts from Korea, and is expected to make a decision on who information technology will partner with onetime later this twelvemonth.

Korea It News' study goes so far as to merits Apple is willing to invest in one supplier, and so it tin can improve support the visitor in doubling its production chapters. Manifestly, that'due south no small feat, only it's unclear whether this unnamed company took Apple up on its offer.

This report too includes the subject of batteries, despite past reports claiming Apple was in talks with multiple Chinese battery manufacturers. This time it sounds like the company wants to be very hands-on with battery pattern and manufacturing, something that makes sense given what we've heard earlier.

Apple tree reportedly hit an impasse with some Chinese battery firms, since it insisted on having Apple Auto batteries built inside the The states. Also, rumors suggest that the visitor has designed a new monocell battery blueprint, made with unlike materials than conventional EV batteries, with the goal of extending range and improving overall safety.

However, a source told Korea Information technology News that companies involved are being incredibly conscientious about any and all dealings with Apple. They merits any companies caught leaking information may be removed from consideration, which they don't want.

That makes sense, since Apple has ever taken a very anti-leak stance, even going and then far as to reportedly finish talks with Hyundai and Kia after news of negotiations leaked to the printing.

The Apple car has had a troubled road so far, especially in recent months. Key personnel accept left the company to take on positions at more established automakers, and Apple'south early attempts to partner with a more experienced automobile company accept reportedly failed at multiple junctions — in role because those companies don't want to cede all control of the project to Apple tree.

It has gotten to the indicate where Apple is now rumored to exist taking matters into its own easily, in club to try and prevent more delays. All the same, nosotros withal don't know a tentative Appel Car release date and whether Apple will exist able to develop appropriate autonomous capabilities. Non to mention the legal implications or trying to bring Level 4 or Level five democratic vehicles to the public.

We'll bring you more than as nosotros hear it, just in the meantime bank check out our Apple Car hub for everything nosotros know and so far.

Tom is the Tom'south Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found articulatio genus deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. Information technology's long style from his days every bit editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He'due south usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't permit him buy the stuff he really needs online.