Apple puts the brakes on the idea of producing its electric vehicle
While many believed that a host of firms in the high-tech sector would launch into the production of electric vehicles, we learned that a major player is putting an end to its development projects.
After devoting almost a decade of work, Apple decided to abandon its electric car project called Apple Car. A source close to the matter confirmed the information. This decision puts an end to the project to develop an electric car and thus puts an end to one of Apple’s most daring initiatives in recent years.
More than 2,000 employees affected
We understand that the announcement was made internally earlier this week, which took the approximately 2,000 employees assigned to the project by surprise. The announcement was reportedly made by Jeff Williams, Director of Operations, and Kevin Lynch, Vice President responsible for the project. As of this writing, Apple has yet to confirm the news.
According to the explanations given by managers to employees, the project would quickly be abandoned, and many of the employees of the group dedicated to special projects would be redeployed in other departments, notably that of artificial intelligence, a strategic priority for Apple.
Job losses expected
The team also included several hundred engineers and vehicle designers. Some will have the opportunity to apply for other positions within the company, but layoffs are also expected.
The first concrete date for the production of the Apple car was announced in 2020, the technology giant was targeting the year 2024 to produce an electric passenger vehicle. This vehicle had to incorporate revolutionary battery technology specific to Apple, it had to offer greater autonomy and be radically less expensive than other batteries.
The Apple Car project reportedly began in 2014 when Apple hired employees from companies like Ford, Tesla and Volkswagen.
