Apple's Secret Collaboration with BYD in Developing Long-Range EV Battery
Apple collaborated with BYD on long-range EV battery technology. The partnership aimed to develop safer and more efficient batteries. BYD's Blade battery system, influenced by the collaboration, powers its entire car lineup.
The collaboration involved the development of long-range batteries that have laid the foundation for current technology, according to sources familiar with the matter. Around 2017, Apple and BYD joined forces to create a battery system using lithium iron phosphate cells, aiming to produce batteries that were not only longer-range but also safer than the standard electric-vehicle batteries of that time.
While Apple does not own the technology used in BYD's current Blade batteries, the partnership underscores the extent to which the tech giant delved into its car production efforts. Apple reportedly invested approximately US$1 billion annually over the past decade in the vehicle project, which was abruptly scrapped in February. The technology co-developed by Apple and BYD was tailored for the planned vehicle, with Apple engineers contributing expertise in advanced battery packs and heat management, while BYD brought in manufacturing know-how and advancements in using lithium iron phosphate cells, also known as LFP.
The collaboration between Apple and BYD remained shrouded in secrecy, with both companies declining to comment on their joint battery work. BYD stated that the concept for the Blade battery originated from its engineers, who independently developed the LFP Blade battery and hold complete property and patent rights for it. Today, BYD's entire car lineup is powered by the Blade system, which benefitted from insights gained during the collaboration with Apple.
The roots of Apple's partnership with BYD can be traced back a decade ago when Apple was in search of core technologies for its car project. BYD engineers showcased early versions of the Blade battery to Apple executives, who were impressed by its safety and energy storage capabilities. Apple sought customizations to enhance the electric vehicle's range. The collaboration was led by key figures from both companies, including Alexander Hitzinger from Apple and Michael He from BYD.
Despite the fruitful collaboration, Apple eventually distanced itself from the partnership and explored options with other battery manufacturers. The overall car project faced multiple setbacks, and the challenges of the EV industry proved to be too formidable. However, the insights gained from the project were not in vain. They have contributed to the development of various Apple products, such as the Vision Pro headset and the Neural Engine AI processor, as well as the company's emerging ventures into robotics.
Apple collaborated with BYD on long-range EV battery technology
The partnership aimed to develop safer and more efficient batteries
BYD's Blade battery system, influenced by the collaboration, powers its entire car lineup
Source: BUSINESS STANDARD