Here is why Apple could be Tesla’s main EV rival

Tesla (TSLA) might have a formidable new challenger in the high-tech self-driving electric car game, and it’s coming from an unlikely place: Apple (AAPL).

Rumors that Apple is finally getting its automotive ambitions off the ground are hotter than ever, and multiple reports say it might have a partner for its so-called “Apple Car” in Hyundai-Kia.

Apple, like Tesla, would be entering the market with an outside perspective.

What’s more, Apple knows how to generate customer interest in its products, and comes with a built-in and loyal customer base. The company’s top-notch supply chain management, which CEO Tim Cook built out, would help it compete with Tesla even more.

Apple will surely have a long way to go to catch up with Tesla, but it might prove to be the kind of challenger to Musk’s empire that traditional automakers could only hope to be.

Project Titan takes on the EV titan
Apple has reportedly been working on building out its own vehicle since 2014. But the process on what’s known as Project Titan has proceeded in fits and starts.

First, Apple was said to be working on building its own car from scratch. Then, it was just working on self-driving software, and now Apple is reportedly teaming with Hyundai to do the heavy lifting on overall vehicle architecture.

Because Apple will reportedly use Hyunda’s Kia plant in Georgia, it already has a leg up on Tesla — which had to build out its production capabilities.

Notably, Musk said he tried to get a meeting with Apple’s Cook at the time to sell the company to Apple. But Cook didn’t respond, according to Musk.

There are two big reasons Apple could rival Tesla — the tech giant understands how to please customers and it knows how to manufacture high-end products that people want but don’t need.

To understand Apple’s commitment to customer service, look no further than the Apple Store. You can walk in, talk to a salesperson, and you can get a phone on the spot. They don’t pester you to upgrade or buy accessories — they just set up your phone right away.

If Apple can bring that seamless approach to cars, something Tesla has managed, then the tech giant could change the game for the electric vehicle industry.

Apple also excels at positioning its products as semi-luxury devices, before releasing more affordable versions for everyday consumers. A splashy first-generation vehicle, similar to Tesla’s original Roadster, could drum up interest in a second-generation mid-range vehicle.

There’s also the fact that Apple already has its own financing arm. By using favorable interest rates, the company could give its vehicles a wider potential consumer base.

Apple and Hyundai reportedly working toward a deal
Of course, there’s no guarantee that an Apple Car will hit the streets anytime soon.

As of now, reports indicate Apple and Hyundai are discussing building a self-driving, electric car. According to AppleInsider, citing TF Securities analyst and frequent Apple prognosticator Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could use Hyundai’s recently announced E-GMP electric vehicle platform for the Apple Car. The Wall Street Journal reports Hyundai is already seeking partners to help build Apple’s car.

It might sound odd for Apple to team with a third-party to build its own vehicles, but that would align with its standard business practices. The iPhone maker already pays manufacturers from around the world, including in the U.S., to produce individual pieces for its various devices, before sending them off to be assembled by the likes of China’s Foxconn and others.

And part of that partnership means Apple spending to build out those manufacturers’ facilities. Doing so would provide Hyundai with even more incentive to work with Apple.

Right now, it’s unclear whether we’ll get a prototype of an Apple Car in 2022 or a mass market vehicle by 2024. But either way, Tesla might not lead the EV space for much longer.

Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *