Rumors abound regarding a potential collaboration between Apple and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, hinting at a partnership that could leverage Apple’s technological prowess in artificial intelligence (AI) and Rivian’s ambition to advance its next-generation R2 and R3 vehicles. Despite Apple shelving its own EV project, known as Project Titan, earlier this year, supply chain sources are pointing towards a possible tie-up with Rivian.
Apple possesses a rich array of technology cultivated for its electric vehicle initiatives, notably in the domain of artificial intelligence (AI). Meanwhile, Rivian is preparing to manufacture its forthcoming R2 and R3 models amid formidable competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, who are likewise making substantial investments in AI-powered autonomous driving technology.
Should the rumors hold true, Rivian could experience substantial gains by incorporating Apple’s technology into its vehicles, potentially elevating their autonomous driving capabilities and reinforcing its competitiveness within the market.
Rivian remains undeterred by the competitive landscape and is forging ahead with its production plans. Securing a substantial incentive package of €771 million from the state of Illinois underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capacity, particularly at its normal facility where R2 output is set to increase.
Furthermore, Rivian is poised to continue its expansion efforts with the construction of an EV plant in Georgia to further scale up production of its R2 and R3 models.
While Apple’s official venture into the EV realm with Project Titan may have been abandoned, the possibility of a partnership with Rivian reignites interest in the automotive sector. This potential collaboration could enable Apple to leverage its accumulated EV expertise without the need to develop a car independently.
The renewed focus on the automotive industry suggests that Apple may still find a way to deploy its EV knowledge effectively, possibly through strategic partnerships with established players like Rivian.