Apple in Early Talks with China's CATL and BYD on Electric Vehicle Battery Supply

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Apple is reportedly in early-stage negotiations to equip its independently developed electric vehicles with batteries from Chinese companies CATL and BYD.

According to major foreign media on the 8th (local time), Apple is in talks with these Chinese electric vehicle battery manufacturers to supply batteries for its own electric vehicles. However, foreign media noted that since the negotiations are still in the early stages, the situation may change, and the possibility of reaching a final agreement remains uncertain.

Apple is said to have set the establishment of production facilities in the United States as a prerequisite for battery supply to CATL and BYD. Regarding this, CATL is reportedly reluctant to build factories in the U.S. due to conflicts between the U.S. and China and increased costs associated with localization.

CATL is the world's largest battery manufacturer, with major automobile companies such as Tesla in the U.S. as its clients.