Apple posted over 300 job ads last year, all in an attempt to find the necessary workforce to make the Apple Car happen.
More specifically, Apple was looking to fill several key positions in the Special Project Group, also referred to as SPG, which is believed to be in charge of developing the self-driving electric vehicle. For example, Apple was seeking a senior power systems engineer for power management and distribution systems, a safety modeling engineering to meet NHTSA and SAE standards, as well as an LV power electronics engineer for the design and implementation of charging systems.
GlobalData says Apple is betting big on the digital car experience and wireless support, so no less than 50 jobs were specifically aimed at these areas.
According to the research, the hiring spree gained pace after August 2020, so it’s believed the development phase of the car was accelerated in the second half of the year.
Recent reports suggested Apple is currently in talks with Hyundai to manufacture the Apple Car in the United States. Kia could handle the production process, but Apple is also considering building its own plant specifically for such operations in the United States.
At this point, the goal appears to be kicking off the testing phase of the Apple Car in 2022, after which the actual production of the vehicle should kick off in 2024 at the earliest. An agreement between Hyundai and Apple is expected to be reached by March.
