Speculation about Apple entering the electric car market is nothing new the technology industry. Rumours have ranged from an actual Apple Vehicle to a rival Tesla-like battery system.
The innovative reputation of the company has put it far above the rest as one of the biggest technology companies in the world. Tesla founder Elon Musk, has even made mention of the huge potential that the company will bring to the automotive industry, while he downplayed the supposed poaching of Cupertino tech experts and the negative effects to the industry.
All discussions, however, remains mere speculations. The alleged Apple electric car remains an unfounded tale whispered behind the closed doors of Apple. For quite some time, speculations had died down as the company remains characteristically elusive with exposing information.
Car Company Sues Apple for “Poaching” Battery Expert
Recent court documents made their way to into the press and, once again, stirred the hornet’s nest. The latest court documents have revealed a lawsuit filed by automotive technology company A123 Systems against Apple.
The company had filed for bankruptcy in 2012, and axcording to A123 the tech giant “poached” some of their top-rated employees, namely its former Chief Technical Officer, Mujeeb Ijaz.
According to reports, Ijaz worked in A123’s technical arm with the main responsibility to guide the engineering team in generating a new concepts on electric car batteries.
The tech expert is a specialist in automotive projects and earns a reported $294,000 monthly salary, with a history of working for some of the world’s largest and most innovative tech companies.
Apple’s Interest in Battery Technology Hard to Deny
Ijaz’ LinkedIn profile states that he was hired as A123’s CTO with the task of leading new product development intended for Lithium Ion Energy Storage, a technology championed by the group. In addition to A123, he was also among Ford Motor Company’s biggest contributor in their battery and hydrogen fuel cell elective vehicle technology.
A123 has accused Apple of “poaching” and “raiding” its business. Ex-employees involved were also named co-defendants on the case. All employees involved are from the field of battery science, technology, and other products similar to that of A123, making the signs of Apple’s interest in battery science and technology hard to deny.
If the controversial lawsuit is any indication, Apple hiring experts from the industry is intriguing many in the car and technology industries alike.
