Apple’s secret BYD collaboration pioneered long-range EV battery technology | The Blade battery, now a key feature in China’s BYD cars, is said to be benefited from Apple’s early input.

From the article: Apple partnered with Chinese automaker BYD for several years as part of its now-shelved car project, focusing on the development of long-range batteries.

This collaboration, which remained under wraps until recently, played a key role in shaping current battery technologies, according to sources familiar with the project, as per various reports.

The partnership began around 2017. Both companies worked together on a battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Their goal was to create safer and more efficient electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The technology was meant to offer longer range and improved safety compared to typical EV batteries of the time. While Apple doesn’t hold the rights to BYD’s current Blade battery technology, this collaboration reveals how seriously the tech giant took its ambitions to enter the automotive market.

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple spent an estimated $1 billion annually over the last decade on its vehicle project, often hailed as one of its “next big things” before it was officially [canceled](https://interestingengineering.com/transportation/apple-pulls-the-plug-on-its-electric-car-dream) in February.