The Apple electric car project is under threat of failure. The reason is that Chinese manufacturers CATL and BYD have decided not to build plants just for Apple in the US.
The Chinese firm CATL refused to build plants in the US, both because of tense relations between the United States and China and for economic reasons. However, the company has not ruled out the possibility of manufacture localization in North America. Meanwhile, CATL management has also found it impossible to set up a separate product development team exclusively working with Apple.
Another Chinese firm, BYD, has also declined an offer from the US corporation to build a new factory. By the way, BYD already has manufacturing facilities in California.
Although the Chinese companies' refusal has already been made public, Apple still hopes to resume talks. The technology giant favours Chinese manufacturers because they are more advanced than rivals in the development of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which can significantly reduce the cost of an electric car.
If Apple is rejected again, it is likely to cooperate with Japanese manufacturers. The US corporation has already sent its representatives to Panasonic.
The development of Apple's first electric car could be further delayed by disruptions in the battery supply chain. In September, Apple executive Doug Field left the company. He has accepted a key position at Ford Motor Co.
Previously, the corporation made a formal approach to BMW, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan with a proposal for the joint production of electric cars. However, negotiations failed. So, Apple developed its first electric car without anyone else's help. The company plans to start production in 2024.
