Apple’s Car Project Still on Track, Here’s When it Could Debut
After shelving its plan to launch an electric and autonomous vehicle for many years to focus on in-car infotainment and other related technologies, Apple is reportedly working on the infamous “Project Titan” once again with the goal of entering production in 2024.
This comes from Reuters, which received tips from people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because Apple’s plans are not public.
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Headed by Doug Field, an Apple veteran who has also worked at Tesla, the Project Titan team was amputated 190 people in 2019, but since then things have progressed enough that the tech giant now aims to build a vehicle for consumers within the next three years.
Apple’s car will apparently use a new battery design that could “radically” reduce the cost of batteries and increase range, according to a third person who spoke with Reuters and has seen Apple’s battery design. The technical details remain vague, however.
Unsurprisingly, the iPhone maker has made no comment so far.
Likewise, it’s still unclear who would assemble an Apple-branded car. Despite its unparalleled resources, the company would seek a manufacturing partner to build vehicles. Production volumes are another thing we are clueless about right now.
Having said all that, it’s possible Apple’s plans will change once more and the big wigs in Cupertino, Calif. will decide to reduce the scope of their efforts to an autonomous driving system that would be integrated with a car made by a traditional automaker, as past rumours have suggested. Apple has developed its own LiDAR sensors while also approaching potential suppliers.
This will certainly be a development to keep an eye on in 2021 and beyond. Do you still believe in an Apple car?
