Apple's Decade-Long Secret Collaboration with BYD and $10 Billion Investment

For nearly ten years, Apple invested approximately $10 billion into the development of its electric car, ultimately shutting down the project in early 2024. Reports indicate that Apple secretly collaborated with Chinese automaker BYD for several years to advance long-lasting battery technology. While an Apple-branded electric car won’t reach the market, the partnership significantly contributed to innovations in EV battery technology.

According to reports, Apple and BYD began their collaboration in 2017. Both companies focused on developing a battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Apple’s engineers brought expertise in advanced battery pack design and thermal management, while BYD contributed its LFP cell technology and manufacturing capabilities.

The collaboration reportedly began when BYD engineers presented early prototypes of the Blade battery to Apple executives. Apple was impressed with the design and saw an opportunity to combine BYD’s LFP cells with its own battery designs to enhance the range of electric vehicles.

Although neither company officially confirmed the partnership, BYD has emphasized that the Blade battery was developed independently.

After years of collaboration, Apple eventually ended its work with BYD and began exploring other opportunities. In early 2021, there were reports that Apple was considering a partnership with Hyundai to develop a self-driving electric car, but the discussions soon broke down.

Earlier this year, Apple’s executives officially decided to abandon the electric car project altogether, marking the conclusion of the company’s decade-long attempt to enter the automotive industry.