Apple continues to push forward with its EV ambitions and is understood to be working with a number of Korean suppliers to make it happen.
The technology giant restarted its car project late last year and at one stage, was close to forming a joint venture with Hyundai to make it a reality. It is now being reported that Apple is having discussions with multiple Korean component manufacturers to supply important parts.
Industry sources claim that Apple has had meetings with SK Innovation, a leading electric vehicle battery manufacturer, as well as LG Electronics. The Korea Times reports that LG’s joint venture with Magna International to create LG Magna e-Powertrain is the frontrunner to produce the powertrain for Apple’s first-ever electric vehicle.
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“Apple officials have been in Korea for business talks with its Korean partners in the semiconductor and display sectors,” a source told the publication. “As seen in Apple’s smartphone business, the company is seeking business partners in Korea for its EV business. Without partnerships with Korean vendors, Apple won’t be able to complete its EV business plan. As far as I know, Apple has talked with LG, SK and Hanwha, but the talks are still in the early stages.”
Apple is also said to be considering the use of a lithium iron phosphate battery that could be safer than the lithium-ion batteries used by most car manufacturers. These batteries are said to be less likely to overheat and are cheaper. However, they do not perform as well at colder temperatures as lithium-ion batteries. If Apple does opt for batteries of this type, it will likely look to source them from China as Korean firms don’t currently produce lithium iron phosphate batteries.
