It is not the first time that the idea of Apple acquiring Tesla has been tested. One of the world’s leading technology companies acquiring the most promising electric car company of all is not far fetched. However, the years have passed and none of that has happened. That does not mean that opportunities were not given, according to Elon Musk, he put the offer on Apple’s table, although Tim Cook declined until he met to discuss it.
This week the idea that Apple is creating its own electric vehicle has resurfaced again. For years this rumor (and not so rumor ) has circulated, with different strategy changes. Now the main novelty has to do with the batteries that Apple would use. Single cell batteries with lithium iron phosphate (LFP).
As a result of this, the co-founder of Tesla has made a series of comments about the possibility that Apple copy the idea or hire its engineers . According to Elon Musk, it is quite rare since Tesla has been using that composition for a while and single cell batteries are “electronically and mechanically impossible”.
Tesla offer 10% of its current value to Apple
Elon Musk’s statements, however, have not stopped there. In a following tweet he commented on a curiosity from Tesla and the possibility of being acquired by Apple. According to Elon Musk, a few years ago he tried to contact Tim Cook to discuss the possibility of an acquisition. It didn’t go well.
Apparently, at Tesla’s toughest times with the Tesla Model 3 development and production program, it offered Apple the option to buy Tesla for a tenth of what it costs now. Not only did Tim Cook turn down the offer, he turned down even meeting with Elon Musk.
When this happened and by what exact figure is difficult to know. The Model 3 began its official production in July 2017, although the design and development much earlier. Regarding the tenth part that Elon Musk comments, if we consider that it currently has a market capitalization of more than 650,000 million dollars, the offer was probably around 70,000 million dollars. The spectacular stock market surge in recent years has also made Elon Musk one of the richest men on the planet.
What happened those days and why Apple did not even consider the idea is something that we will not know unless they decide to indicate it themselves. On the other hand, you also have to keep in mind that this is Elon Musk’s version only, without knowing the other side of the coin.
Apple appears to have a different strategy for entering the auto industry, an idea in which acquiring another manufacturer is not a priority. The company has indeed acquired related companies in the sector, such as the autonomous driving company Drive.ai. On the other hand, it also has agreements with giants like Didi, who in China are the kings of autonomous driving.
Anyway, acquiring large companies and with an already established strategy is not typical of Apple, even less if they are hardware. The case previously occurred with the acquisition of Beats . For the rest, they have always tried to buy small businesses and integrate their products or ideas into their own products. A clear example of the latter is Siri.
