Apple Inc. secretly collaborated with Chinese automaker BYD Co. on developing long-range EV batteries as part of its now-canceled car project, according to a recent Bloomberg report. This partnership, which began around 2017, aimed to create advanced battery systems using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

The Apple-BYD Battery Collaboration

The joint effort focused on developing a battery system that would be longer-range and safer than typical EV batteries at the time, and customized for Apple’s planned vehicle. Apple brought expertise in advanced battery packs and heat management, while BYD contributed manufacturing know-how and advancements in LFP cell technology.

Impact on Current BYD Vehicles

Although Apple doesn’t own any of the technology used in BYD’s current Blade batteries, the partnership had a significant influence. The Blade system, which now powers BYD’s entire car lineup, uses a battery pack design that was “informed by lessons from the Apple work,” according to people involved in its development.

Apple’s EV Project Demise

Despite years of collaboration with BYD, Apple eventually backed away from the partnership and explored systems from other battery makers. The overall car project faced numerous delays, and the economics of the EV business proved too challenging. In February, Apple scrapped its plans to build its own vehicle, marking a rare high-profile failure for the tech giant.

Key Players in the Partnership

On Apple’s side, the project was led by Alexander Hitzinger, a former Volkswagen AG and Porsche executive (2016-2019), and Mujeeb Ijaz, a veteran of the failed American battery startup A123 Systems LLC (2014-2020). Ijaz oversaw a team of about 50 battery engineers. His counterpart at BYD was Michael He, vice president of the company’s battery business.

BYD’s Success Story

While Apple’s EV dreams fizzled, BYD has seen remarkable success. The company sold 3 million electric and hybrid vehicles in 2023, up from 179,054 three years earlier. It became the biggest automaker in China by sales and briefly surpassed Tesla Inc. as the top global EV seller. BYD founder and Chairman Wang Chuanfu, a battery engineer, is now a billionaire.

EVXL’s Take

Apple’s collaboration with BYD, though ultimately unsuccessful for the tech giant, demonstrates the growing importance of battery technology in the EV market. This aligns with recent trends we’ve seen in the industry, such as BYD’s rapid ascent in the global EV market. The fact that lessons from this partnership informed BYD’s current Blade battery system shows how cross-industry collaborations can drive innovation in the EV space, even when the original project doesn’t come to fruition.

What do you think about Apple’s secret EV battery project with BYD? Share your thoughts in the comments below.