Watt's next for Apple car: Batteries built on home soil?

Watt’s next for Apple car: Batteries built on home soil?

Apple wants to build car batteries on home soil and is eyeing a number of manufacturers with plans to set up factories in the United States, according to a new report.

Foxconn, already one of Apple’s largest manufacturing partners, or Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees) could get battery orders from Apple in the future, sources say.

It’s still not completely clear what Apple’s plans are when it comes to cars. Over the years, the rumor mill has claimed that the company has gone from developing its own electric vehicle to focusing solely on software for third-party cars. Now it seems to believe that Apple is again planning an “Apple Car” designed entirely in-house.

Whatever the case may be, new rumors suggest Apple is on the hunt for car batteries — and wants to have them made in the U.S.

Apple eyes US plants for car batteries

“Apple, which reportedly is mulling manufacture batteries for Apple Car in the US, may work with Taiwanese makers rather than Chinese ones,” reads a new report from Digitimes, citing industry sources.

“Taiwan-based Foxconn or Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees), both of which plan to set up factories in the US, stand a chance of working with Apple on car batteries, the sources said.”

It is believed Apple had been planning to work with CATL and BYD — China’s largest battery suppliers. But after deciding it wanted car batteries made at home, rather than abroad, the company began looking at manufacturers who plan to set up plants in the U.S.

Apple car still years away

The move would create jobs in the U.S. — something Apple likes to do — but could also diversify Apple car production while the U.S. trade war with China rages on. This doesn’t mean, however, that Apple car is right around the corner.

Recent reports indicate any potential launch of an electric vehicle made by Apple is still years away. However, its demand for home-grown car batteries could push some suppliers to set up factories in the U.S. even sooner, Digitimes adds.