Apple Reportedly Working With Chinese Manufacturer of Electric Vehicle Batteries

[MacRumors]

Apple is quietly working with Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology Limited on automotive battery research and development, according to Shanghai-based Yicai Global.

The report, citing unnamed sources, claims the two companies have signed a confidentiality agreement to work together on a "scheme" related to the field of batteries, but no specific details were provided.

CATL was founded in 2011 as a spinoff of Amperex Technology Limited, a large supplier of batteries for iPhones and other Apple products.

The company, based in Ningde, China, describes itself as a leader in lithium-ion battery research and development, including battery cells, materials, and recycling. CATL says it currently has more than 3,700 full-time R&D personnel from a number of well-known universities and laboratories around the world.

CATL claims it has been the world's third largest manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicle batteries for the past two consecutive years, behind Chinese rival BYD and Panasonic, which supplies Tesla with batteries. The company's lithium-ion batteries are used in both passenger vehicles and buses.

The purpose of Apple's involvement with CATL remains unknown, as the iPhone maker reportedly abandoned plans for its own electric vehicle, at least temporarily, last year. Apple has instead emphasized its interest in autonomous technologies.

"We're focusing on autonomous systems," said Tim Cook, Apple CEO, in an interview with Bloomberg Television's Emily Chang last month. "It's a core technology that we view as very important."

In recent months, Apple has pivoted to an autonomous driving software platform being developed under the leadership of Bob Mansfield. Apple has been testing its self-driving software using a fleet of Lexus SUVs, which have been spotted on streets in California after Apple received a permit from the DMV.

CATL plans to increase its battery output to 50 gigawatt hours by 2020, which could make it one of the industry's two largest manufacturers. The other, Tesla, expects total output from its Gigafactory in Nevada to reach at least 35 gigawatt hours, with the potential for up to 150 gigawatt hours, by 2020.

The company's other goals by 2020 include significantly reducing battery costs, improving energy density, and increasing the speed of charging. Last year, it demonstrated a 4C fast-charging solution that takes only 15 minutes to charge a lithium-ion electric vehicle battery to the 90 percent level.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Working With Chinese Manufacturer of Electric Vehicle Batteries

 

[826317]

They should work with Tesla, they're good at making batteries.

 

[rizzo41999]

I don't know man, Chinese are going to steal all of the designs. They always do in every business

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

They should work with Tesla, they're good at making batteries.

You say that like Apple isn't. Tesla is obviously way ahead of everyone else in batteries, but I think Apple is #2.

 

[soupcan]

Hey Apple, maybe work with them to develop some not-phatetically small iPhone batteries?

 

[44267547]

They should work with Tesla, they're good at making batteries.

It's not just batteries, Tesla is also good at making cars too. I have been impressed with the technology and build they have put into these electric cars. Musk is doing a great job with Tesla.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

You say that like Apple isn't. Tesla is obviously way ahead of everyone else in batteries, but I think Apple is #2.

Apple doesn't make batteries:
"Apple has reportedly changed its battery suppliers for the iPad and MacBook lines to Amperex Technology Limited and Tianjin Lishen Battery, both Chinese firms, after Samsung SDI (Samsung's battery-producing subsidiary) stopped supplying Apple, the China Business News reports."

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

94-year-old John Goodenough, professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and co-inventor of the lithium-ion battery.
[doublepost=1500566088][/doublepost]

I don't know man, Chinese are going to steal all of the designs. They always do in every business

More American tech in the hands of commie who try and flood the market, try and put you under and buy you out and move the assets back with them.

 

[StevieD100]

More American tech in the hands of commie who try and flood the market, try and put you under and buy you out and move the assets back with them.

So no American company would try to dominate any market? Think again. History has plenty of instances of that very thing.

 

[Thunderhawks]

Hey Apple, maybe work with them to develop some not-phatetically small iPhone batteries?

Hey soup can,

maybe charge your phone as often as needed?

Plan B : YOU develop a battery that lasts as long as you need!

My 6S Plus lasts all day and then some.

No matter what Apple does there will always be extreme users, which these days one finds charging stations all over, has car adapters, can hook up to computers etc., etc.

Lastly plenty of 3rd party solutions, like battery packs etc.

 

[radioisotope]

Apple is quietly

not so much now is it?

 

[lexvo]

I feel we will all be driving in electric cars sooner than we think.

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

So no American company would try to dominate any market? Think again. History has plenty of instances of that very thing.

If you use American tech, you use it at out terms. American companies should always control their tech!!!! Success has to be earned, not handed to one.

 

[The Cappy]

Apple is doing a wonderful job helping China become a technological powerhouse.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

It's not just batteries, Tesla is also good at making cars too. I have been impressed with the technology and build they have put into these electric cars. Musk is doing a great job with Tesla.

A great job?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/howard...en-though-tesla-is-losing-money/#6c80d647240e
Once those government subsidies run out lets see how well he does
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-musk-subsidies-20150531-story.html

 

[44267547]

A great job?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/howard...en-though-tesla-is-losing-money/#6c80d647240e
Once those government subsidies run out lets see how well he does
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hy-musk-subsidies-20150531-story.html

Forbes? Complete click bait article and site. Furthermore, you can keep us posted when those government subsidies run out. I'm not going to worry about the future, as Tesla seems to be doing pretty good so far.

 

[Lerxt]

Tesla are the masters at battery technology. I have to admit I'm really uncomfortable with Apple, a company I admire, not working with Tesla. Tesla are an American success story, they don't need Chinese companies to reinvent badly, what Tesla does really well.

 

[Victor Mortimer]

I feel we will all be driving in electric cars sooner than we think.

I already do, so probably not sooner than I think.

 

[Rogifan]

Does anyone honestly think if Apple nails an autonomous/self driving vehicle platform they wouldn’t make their own vehicle? Might not be direct to consumer but for a ride sharing type service.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Forbes? Lol. Complete click bait article and site. Furthermore, you can keep us posted when those government subsidies run out. I'm not going to worry about the future, as Tesla seems to be doing pretty good so far.

Here's the thing, I'm not being a douche here, you're right they've being doing pretty good so far. Doesn't mean they be will doing good tomorrow when the money dries up

 

[lexvo]

I already do, so probably not sooner than I think.

Yes I didn't phrase that right I meant: (almost) everyone will be riding electric cars and (almost) nobody will be driving gas fuelled cars sooner than we think.

 

[mi7chy]

Apple is now just a front for Made in China.

I'll stick with American made Tesla EVs and Japanese batteries which are best.

 

[testcard]

I don't want to drive around in a transparent car - complete lack of privacy.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I already do, so probably not sooner than I think.

I've been driving a Chevy Bolt EV for almost seven months now. It is my first EV, and it truly feels like the future.

 

[Meandmunch]

With their billions and billions I wonder why Apple would not want to own, patient and be at the forefront of battery technology development. Especially where everything appears to be heading.

They probably have a small team on it but why outsource so many of your crucial needs.