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Apple has reportedly made contact with several Korean-based electric vehicle component manufacturers for its “Apple Car” project.
The company is said to be in talks with Korean electric vehicle companies as part of a strategy to outsource the manufacturing of premium electric vehicles, Korea’s time reported Monday. A source said Korean manufacturers of electric vehicle batteries and other components could benefit from Apple’s strategy.
“As seen in Apple’s smartphone business, the company is seeking business partners in Korea for its EV business,” a source told the publication.
“Without partnerships with Korean suppliers, Apple will not be able to carry out its EV business plan. As far as I know, Apple has been in discussions with LG, SK and Hanwha, but the discussions are only in progress. in their early days. “
According to the report, Apple has had “advanced meetings” with SK Innovation, a subsidiary of the SK group specializing in batteries for electric vehicles. The Cupertino-based company also met with LG Electronics and auto parts maker Magna International, both of whom have formed a joint venture called LG Magna e-Powertrain.
Apple would consider a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery instead of a lithium-ion battery, as the older technology is less likely to overheat and has safety benefits.
However, no Korean manufacturer currently produces LFP batteries. For this reason, industry sources expect Apple to partner with a Chinese manufacturer for the technology.
On the other hand, Korea’s time suggests that the collapse of trade between Apple and China could help make the United States a key region for manufacturing lines. The post says LG Energy Solution and SK Innovation have already established or are building battery factories in the United States, while Samsung says it plans to do so.
This is not the first time that Apple has approached Korean automakers as part of an “Apple Car” partnership. The company reportedly considered a deal with Hyundai and Kia to make “Apple Car”, but those talks collapsed, apparently after news of the deal leaked.
Earlier in 2021, Apple would have been “very close” to signing a contract with LG and Magna on an “Apple Car” partnership. Magna, in particular, was one of the first companies approached by Apple early in the development of the so-called self-driving car.
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