A new report from Reuters is sharing with us some concrete details about Apple's secretive Project Titan division, which is the tech giant's driving car arm. The report claims Apple might be ready to produce the electric vehicle as early as 2024, which will feature a "breakthrough" monocell battery design. The tech will supposedly allow Apple to add more active material to the power cell, improving its range.
Apple is supposedly exploring the use of lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry. It might not be as dense as other battery types, but it is less prone to overheating and won't require cobalt.
Cobalt mostly comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where its mines are notorious for using child labour. It would be an excellent move for the company to avoid using the material.
Apple's EV will reportedly use multiple LiDAR sensors to help understand its surroundings. Apple might source the components from outside suppliers, but it could also use a repurposed version of the LiDAR sensors seen in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro.
Apple is expected to tap an outside partner for manufacturing. The goal for the EV is supposedly to "build a vehicle for consumers." But Reuters also noted that pandemic-related delays might push back the production to 2025 or later. And Apple might opt to reduce the scope of the project, focusing on developing tech that traditional carmakers could use. As expected, Apple isn't commenting on the report.
Source: Engadget