Recently, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Apple collaborated with BYD around 2017 to jointly develop long-range electric vehicle batteries. This research and development laid the foundation for the battery technology currently used by BYD Automobile. However, this collaborative project has not been publicly disclosed until now.
According to these sources, Apple and BYD developed a battery system using lithium iron phosphate batteries, aiming for longer range and higher safety than typical electric vehicle batteries at the time. BYD released the Blade battery in 2020, which employs lithium iron phosphate technology. However, the report emphasized that Apple does not own any of the technology used in the Blade battery.
The Blade battery, exhibited at BYD's headquarters in Shenzhen, attracted significant attention. BYD's Blade battery system is now widely used across its entire vehicle lineup. Blade batteries are characterized by their small size, high energy density, and excellent safety. These advantages have enabled BYD to achieve remarkable success in the electric vehicle market.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the technology jointly developed by Apple and BYD was highly customized for the car that was originally planned for launch. As part of this secretive collaboration, Apple engineers contributed advanced battery pack and thermal management expertise, while BYD provided manufacturing expertise and improved technology for lithium iron phosphate batteries.
Spokespersons for Apple and BYD declined to comment on the joint battery development. However, BYD stated in an emailed response that "the concept of the Blade battery originated from BYD engineers, who independently developed this lithium iron phosphate Blade battery. BYD owns the complete intellectual property rights and patent rights of the Blade battery."
It is worth noting that earlier in 2024, Apple voluntarily abandoned its electric vehicle development project and reallocated resources to research and development in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This decision reflects a strategic shift for Apple, which has ultimately chosen to focus on development in other areas despite making progress in electric vehicle battery technology.