Apple is nearing a deal with Hyundai Motor Group to build a self-driving electric vehicle of its own, CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and Meghan Reeder reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources familiar with the project.
If finalized, the EV would be Apple-branded and built at Kia’s assembly plant in West Point, Georgia, CNBC reported.
Sources told the outlet the deal wasn’t done yet and that Apple may decide to partner with another automaker, either instead of or in addition to Hyundai. The tech company is looking to build the car in North America and partner with a carmaker that will let it take the reins when it comes to software and hardware, sources said.
As for specifics about the car itself, one source told CNBC Apple’s cars wouldn’t be built to have a driver and that they’d be geared toward “the last mile,” indicating that the vehicles may be commercial in nature. Apple is eyeing 2024 for production, sources familiar with the Hyundai deal told CNBC, but it could be postponed.
Apple’s stock jumped more than 2% on the news in after-hours trading.
In pics: Electric cars to look out for in India in 2021
After a pandemic-hit 2020, automakers are hoping the following year will witness a surge in sales. Especially, the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market which is likely to gain momentum. With consumers’ rising interest in environment-friendly options, top auto players are gearing up to launch a slew of electric cars with better features. Here’s a look at some of the top electric cars to be launched in 2021.
Tata Altroz EV
Tata Motors, one of India’s top car manufacturers, is expected to launch the electric version of its hatchback model Altroz somewhere in early 2021. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery capable of running between 250-300 kilometres on a single charge, the Tata Altroz EV is expected to be priced at ₹12-15 lakh.
Audi e-tron
The all-electric offering of Audi will be equipped with a 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which will go over 400 km in a single charge. It can be charged to about 80 percent through a fast charger in just half an hour, and with the regular power outlet it will take 10 hours to fully charge it. The car is powered by two electric motors, which can take it from 0-100 km in only 6.6 seconds, giving the car a sporty feel. It is likely to be priced at a premium rate of ₹1.50 crore.
Mahindra eKUV100
First showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2020, the car has a 15.9kWh battery that will deliver a range of 147 km. It is expected to be priced under ₹9 lakh, which will make it one of the most affordable electric cars in the country.
Along with eKUV100, Mahindra also has plans to launch XUV300 Electric. The latter is estimated to be priced between ₹15-18 lakh and the company claims that the driving range will be over 300 km in one full charge.
Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar’s first electric SUV is expected to be introduced in early 2021. Its 90kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of up to 470 km. Its twin motors with a combined 400PS and 696Nm deliver 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds. Jaguar I-Pace is expected to be priced at around ₹1 crore.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
This car’s 78 kWh battery offers a range of about 400 km in one full charge. It will be the brand’s first all-electric model, and expected to be above ₹50 lakh.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is powered by a 40 kWh battery, which can last up to 400 km on a single charge. It comes with a single-lane driving technology called a ProPilot feature, which automatically guides the vehicle into a car park by using multiple sensors. It is priced between ₹30-35 lakh.
Maruti Futuro-e
The coupe-styled electric concept car was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020. It is likely to be priced between ₹10-12 lakh.
Porsche Taycan
Porsche’s first electric vehicle will have two versions – Turbo and Turbo S. Equipped by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, the former offers an estimated range of 329 km while the latter gives 327 km. It uses an 800 volt charging architecture that allows the battery to juice up from 5 to 80 per cent within 23 minutes. It is expected to be priced above ₹1 crore.
Hyundai Kona Electric
It comes with two battery packs and both can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 54 minutes using a 100kW DC fast charger. It is expected to arrive in India in August 2021 and likely be priced from ₹23.75 lakh onward.
BMW i3
The all-electric car of the Bavarian carmaker was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2018. Equipped with a 33 kWh battery, it generates an output of 184PS with an estimated range of 246 km. It goes from 0-100 kmph in mere 6.9 seconds. It is expected to be priced above ₹1 crore.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 offers two battery packs to choose from – 50 kWh and 75 kWh. The former one is good for a 350km range on full charge, while the latter one can run for 500 km on a single charge. It is likely to be priced from ₹70 lakh onward.
Renault Zoe
Powered with 52kWh battery, the Zoe model car offers an approximate range of 395 km. It is likely to launch with an estimated price of ₹8 lakh.
Ora R1
The Great Wall Motors had unveiled the R1 electric hatchback in India at Auto Expo 2020. Equipped with a 33kWh battery, the car gives a range of 351 km. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 kmph in 5.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 100kmph. It can be charged in 10 hours through a household plug, and with DC fast charging it takes about 40 minutes to juice it up to 80 percent. It is expected to be priced between ₹7-8 lakh.
Haima-Bird EV1
The car, which made its debut at Auto Expo 2020, will be introduced in two variants with a driving range of 200 km and 300 km per charge. The hatchback fitted with lithium battery and electronic control system will have a top speed of 120 kmph. It will be available in the range of ₹10 lakh on Indian roads.
15/15 SLIDES
Rumors have circulated for years that Apple plans to build an EV, and speculation has intensified in recent months.
In December, Reuters reported Apple planned to launch a self-driving EV as soon as 2024, citing unnamed sources familiar with the tech giant’s plans. Sources told the outlet the vehicle would not be a commercial vehicle or a self-driving taxi but a consumer vehicle. Instead of competing with robo-taxi firms like Waymo, Apple would more likely rival electric-car makers like Tesla and Rivian.
The vehicle would use Apple’s advanced battery technology, which has the potential to “radically” diminish charging time and increase range, one source told Reuters.
Hyundai declined to comment when reached by Insider. A spokesperson for Apple did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Also watch: Tesla’s entry in India doesn’t worry us, says Audi’s India chief (Video by Hindustan Times)
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