The fact that Apple is developing its own electric car is an “open secret”, according to Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of electric-car maker Tesla.
Speaking to the BBC, Musk said that it had become “obvious” that Apple is working on a car project, due to the fact that Cupertino has hired so many engineers with strengths in the car industry. However, he added that he didn’t feel threatened by Apple’s supposed entrance into the market.
“It will expand the industry,” he told the BBC.
“Tesla will still aspire to make the most compelling electric vehicles, and that would be our goal, while at the same time helping other companies to make electric cars as well.”
Tesla is one of the top electric-car manufacturers in the world, selling around as many electric vehicles in the United States as Nissan and BMW. However, unlike Nissan and BMW, Tesla currently operates at a loss, thanks to large R&D costs around battery technology and autonomous driving.
Apple, meanwhile, has not said anything about developing its own car, but rumours have swirled for the past six months as the company has made significant hires from the car industry. And over the weekend, Apple made headlines after it came to light that it had registered domain names related to cars, including apple.car.
