SAN FRANCISCO: The rumour mill just keeps on turning Apple is frantically working on an electric, 100% autonomous car.
The Guardian has offered a look at the latest progress of the so-called “Titan” project, notably the fact that Apple is apparently already looking for a test rack for its first car.
An old military base in California, GoMentum Station in Concord, could be the staging ground for Apple’s project. The base has already been used by the likes of Honda and Mercedes for practice runs with their own autonomous vehicles. The complex features about 30km of road that simulate real-life driving conditions such as intersections, bridges and tunnels.
The site is also ideally located just a few miles from Silicon Valley, and apparently Apple has been in contact with management since spring. The goal is to conduct all tests in total secrecy, away from the prying eyes of not only journalists, but also other car manufacturers.
Very few details have leaked on the mysterious “Apple Car,” a first version of which could already be ready to hit the road. Word is that the Cupertino-based giant, though staying mum on the subject, might even have succeeded in recently hiring engineers away from Mercedes and Tesla.
Apple’s efforts are in line with those of Google, whose cars have already logged more than 1 million kilometres of autonomous driving. Unlike Apple though, Google is testing its fleet in urban areas across four states (California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada).
There are many manufacturers working on autonomous vehicle projects today, namely Audi, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan and Volvo. But it’ll be at least 2020 before we see the first 100% autonomous vehicles on the road, ahead of a progressive rollout.
Keyword: Apple's electric and autonomous car prepares to hit the road in total secrecy