Apple Car: What we know so far
- Apple's mysterious electric vehicle began as a project called Baja in 2015, with help from Torc Robotics.
- The tech giant filed a passenger-explaining patent in 2016 and began testing self-driving cars in California in 2017, with 27 registered by 2018.
- After acquiring Drive.ai in 2019, the Apple Car hit roadblocks, but mass production may start by 2025 with announcement in 2023.
- The price remains unknown, but with luxury competitors like Tesla and Lucid Motors costing from $40,000 to $170,000, the Apple Car may follow suit.
- Despite rumors of a subscription service, 26% of drivers express interest in buying the highly anticipated self-driving vehicle.
The journey of the Apple Car began in 2015, when the company contracted Torc Robotics to retrofit two Lexus SUVs with sensors for a project called Baja. The following year, the tech giant filed a patent for a system to explain to passengers what the autonomous vehicle is about to do. In 2017, Apple received permission from the state of California to test self-driving cars, and by 2018, 27 autonomous vehicles were registered with the state's DMV. In 2019, Apple acquired Drive.ai, an AI-powered self-driving car technology company.
Image credit: Supercar Blondie
However, despite initial reports of the Apple Car's debut in 2021, the project has hit several roadblocks. The team behind the vehicle was reportedly dissolved for some time, but the company is said to be rapidly reorganizing to begin mass production by 2025. Analysts predict that the self-driving car may be announced in 2025, with availability expected a couple of years later.
The exact price of the Apple Car remains a mystery, but it's safe to assume it won't come cheap. Competitors like Tesla and Lucid Motors offer luxury vehicles that range from $40,000 to $170,000, so it's possible that the Apple Car may cost a similar amount. There have also been rumors that the car might not be available for purchase but instead offered through a subscription service. However, these rumors remain unconfirmed and official information about pricing and pre-orders won't be available until an official announcement from Apple.
Image credit: Ars Technica
Despite the unknowns surrounding the Apple Car, a recent survey revealed that 26% of drivers are "definitely interested" in buying the vehicle, suggesting strong potential demand. As we wait for more information to surface, it's clear that the Apple Car is a highly anticipated project that's sure to make waves in the world of self-driving electric vehicles.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 7th February, 2023.
