Apple in talks with Chinese firms for 'Apple Car' batteries

Porsche's 800-volt battery pack, located in the floor of the car.

Four years after it was first rumored to be working with China's CATL over battery technology, Apple is now said to be in talks with it and BYD to provide batteries for the "Apple Car."

According to Reuters, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and BYD have not yet been signed by Apple. Citing unnamed sources claimed to have knowledge of the private discussions, Reuters also reports that a condition of a deal is that manufacturing facilities must be built in the US.

Reportedly, CATL is concerned with both the cost of facilities in the States, and the tensions between the US and China. Separately, Reuters has also reported that CATL is already committed to building a new automotive battery plant in Shanghai.

The sources told Reuters that Apple wants to use lithium ion phosphate batteries, instead of the costlier nickel and cobalt that is more regularly used.

Apple has previously been rumored to be developing its own battery technology. It's not clear, however, whether these talks would see CATL or BYD adopting Apple's designs.

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