Apple’s electric cars may be out by 2019

Apple, Inc. has shifted into a higher gear as its ramps-up its “Project Titan” to manufacture and ship its first electric car -- the iCar -- by 2019. The company has spent extensive resources to ensure the viability of the iCar in California.

Citing people familiar with the matter, a report in The Wall Street Journal, says Apple has increased the size of the Project Titan team by three times as it accelerates the pace to build its first fully autonomous electric car. The Cupertino giant has also hired several industry veterans, including Tesla’s top autonomous car engineer, Jamie Carlson and Megan McClain, a former Volkswagen engineer. Earlier in February, a report in Bloomberg stated that Apple might start production of its electric car by 2020. Major auto maker take a minimum of five to seven years to being a new car model to market.

Taking this into account, Project Titan’s deadline seems to be a little unrealistic for a company with no experience in manufacturing vehicles. Some analysts believe project engineers might only be able to reach a consensus on the main features of the project by 2019.

The Apple “iCar” will be an amalgamation of Apple’s sleek design and advanced sensor technology, reports MacWorld. It’s still not clear if Apple prefers to outsource the project and have a manufacturing relationship similar to what it has with Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. that makes most of its iPhones. Globally, most car manufacturers build and manage their own factories.

Tesla and General Motors are targeting the release of their electric cars by 2017. These new vehicles will have a range of 200 miles on a single charge. Apple’s Project Titan might yet join hands with other car makers to mould the future of automobiles.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or let us know what you think below.