The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

For several years, Apple worked secretly with Chinese automaker BYD on a joint project to develop long-range battery technology.
Although the project was eventually canceled, it laid the foundation for the battery technologies used today in electric vehicles,
according to sources familiar with the matter.

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The Technological Collaboration Between Apple and BYD

A Partnership That Bore Fruit But Didn’t Last

The Technological Collaboration Between Apple and BYD

Sources indicate that the collaboration began around 2017, when Apple teamed up with BYD,
based in Shenzhen, to develop a battery system using lithium iron phosphate cells.
The aim was to create a longer-lasting and safer battery compared to the conventional electric vehicle batteries available at the time.

While Apple did not directly utilize the technology in BYD’s current Blade batteries,
this collaboration shows the extent of Apple’s efforts to produce an electric vehicle.
The tech giant invested nearly $1 billion annually over the past decade on the project,
which was widely seen as one of the company’s “next big things” before it was shelved in February.

Apple and BYD’s Roles in the Development
The battery technology developed was primarily intended for Apple’s electric vehicle project.
Apple’s engineers contributed their expertise in designing advanced battery packs and thermal management,
while BYD provided its manufacturing knowledge and experience in using durable, high-performance lithium iron phosphate cells.

Although spokespersons from both companies declined to comment on the partnership,
BYD stated that the Blade battery concept was developed independently by its own engineers.
However, insiders noted that the design of BYD’s Blade batteries benefited significantly from the lessons learned through collaboration with Apple.

A Partnership That Bore Fruit But Didn’t Last

During this period, Apple was working on multiple battery technologies, including nickel-alkaline batteries.
Both companies sought to combine their efforts to create a safe, long-range battery specifically for Apple’s electric vehicle.

Leading the collaboration on Apple’s side was Alexander Hitzinger, a former executive at Volkswagen and Porsche,
who oversaw the car project from 2016 to 2019. Additionally, Apple brought on board battery expert Mujeeb Ijaz,
who worked at the company until 2020, to lead a team of around 50 engineers focused on the project.

The Project Ends, But Achievements Continue
Despite Apple stepping away from its partnership with BYD and exploring battery systems from other companies,
the collaboration provided valuable lessons for Apple.
The expertise gained from this effort contributed to innovative products like the Vision Pro headset
and the Neural Engine AI processor now present in many of Apple’s devices.

Meanwhile, BYD has enjoyed major successes thanks to its Blade battery,
which has become a key selling point in its electric and hybrid vehicles.
The company sold 3 million such vehicles in 2023, capitalizing on the improved battery range, safety, and cost-efficiency.

The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

The Secret Partnership Between Apple and BYD in Battery Development

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