The most important difference between Apple's electric car and competitive models will be the presence of a new generation of lidars. Bloomberg reports.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the corporation from California is negotiating with several manufacturers of laser sensors at once. Insiders clarified that as with the iPhone, Apple is looking for third-party suppliers to supply critical components. It is reported that the company is considering partners' proposals, which may indicate that the car will be released in the long term.
The vendors the company is negotiating with are expected to be able to offer next-generation lidars that “will be considered cutting-edge in four to five years.” Sources noted that having a state-of-the-art laser sensor will be a key feature of the Apple Car.
Reporters noted that many players in the self-driving car market rely on lidars in their models. Lidars allow the vehicle to navigate in space and “see” obstacles on the road, such as pedestrians and other vehicles. Laser sensors, in particular, are used in Google Waymo and GM Cruise autonomous vehicle projects. At the same time, cameras and special radars are used in Tesla electric cars instead of lidars.
Experts noted that in recent months, about half a dozen companies and start-ups producing lidar went public or attracted investments in the amount of hundreds of millions of dollars. Also, shares of well-known manufacturers of laser sensors jumped on the stock exchange. In particular, during the last trading session, the securities of Luminar Technologies Inc. rose 8.9 percent to $ 35.75, Velodyne Lidar Inc. rose 4.7 percent to $ 21.89.
Bloomberg reporters recalled that in mid-February, Apple was left by top manager Benjamin Lyon, who was involved in the development of hardware for self-driving cars. Lyon's departure could slow down work on the autonomous electric vehicle. Apple declined to comment on rumors that the company is developing a self-driving car.
Earlier, insiders said that, first of all, the American corporation intends to release a car designed to transport people and deliver food from stores. The fact that Apple is working on an electric car project and is preparing to present it in the coming years became known at the end of 2020.
