Bloomberg reported that the secret collaboration, which began around 2017, focused on creating lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that offered both extended range and improved safety.
Although Apple does not own the technology behind BYD’s current Blade batteries, their joint efforts played a role in shaping the tech that the Shenzhen-based automaker uses today.
Apple reportedly spent around US$1 billion annually over the last decade on the electric self-driving car project before putting the brakes on it in February 2024. The collaboration was led by Apple engineers with expertise in advanced battery systems, alongside BYD’s manufacturing innovations in LFP battery cells.
Although Apple’s car project was eventually shelved, its collaboration with BYD contributed to the latter’s current success.
BYD’s Blade battery, now a key feature in its EV lineup, has helped it become the largest automaker in China by sales, even briefly surpassing Tesla in global EV sales in 2023.
While Apple backed away from the BYD partnership to explore other battery suppliers, the knowledge gained from the venture has been applied to other Apple products, such as the Vision Pro headset and AI processors. Apple has not announced any follow-up vehicle projects since.
