The Apple Car continues on its way and, after Hyundai’s doubts, it seems that the Korean company and Apple will eventually collaborate on the car. At least, that’s what Ming-Chi Kuo, one of Apple’s biggest analysts, reports about other possible partners for the company as well.
According to the analyst TF Securities, the Apple Car to Build on Hyundai’s New E-GMP Battery Electric Vehicle Platform. But in addition, he also reports that General Motors and the European manufacturer PSAwhich includes Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel and Vauxhall, are also teaming up with Apple to make future models of the Apple car, or to build it in other markets.
“Apple’s deep collaboration with today’s automakers (Hyundai Group, GM and PSA) who have extensive experience in development, production and qualification will significantly reduce Apple Car development time and create an advantage in terms of time to market..
We believe Apple will take advantage of the current resources of automakers and focus on standalone hardware and software, semiconductors, battery technologies, internal space and form factor designs, user experience innovation and integration with the existing ecosystem of Manzana.“.
It looks like Apple already has a platform for the Apple car
One of the critical points of a car are the platform, important both in the design of the car itself and economically, as it is one of the most expensive components to develop and manufacture.
Last december Hyundai presented its E-GMP platform. This electric vehicle platform uses up to two motors, a five link rear suspension, an integrated drive axle, batteries that can provide a range of over 500 km on a full charge and can be charged up to 80 % in 18 minutes.
According to Kuo’s prediction, Hyundai will be in charge of the design and production of certain Apple Car components, and Kia, a subsidiary of the Hyundai group, will supply the production line it has in its American factories.
Kuo thinks that Apple may struggle to launch Apple Car in 2025 because the development time of a car is more complicated and in the management of the supply chain, there are too many actors involved.
“We expect Apple to launch the Apple car in 2025 at the earliest. A new iPhone takes 18 to 24 months from initial specification to mass production. Considering the longer development time, higher validation requirements, more complicated supply chain management and very different sales / service channels in automobiles, we believe that Apple, which lack of experience in car manufacturing, time is very tight if you want to get started. the Apple car in 2025“.
Besides all this, Kuo suggests that Apple will market the vehicle as a “very high-end” model. Its price would be “significantly higher” than a standard electric vehicle, which would greatly benefit its partner car manufacturers. Hyundai and PSA are more focused on the general market.
