Tesla CEO Elon Musk has pointed the accusatory finger in the direction of Apple and mentioned the electronics big is responsible of utilizing cobalt within the batteries which can be then fitted into devices. On the similar time, Musk additionally painted a beneficial picture for Tesla and mentioned the batteries made use of by the EV firm hardly makes use of any cobalt.
As per studies within the US media, Musk took a dig at Apple throughout Tesla’s quarterly earnings name. “Apple makes use of I feel virtually 100% cobalt of their batteries and cell telephones and laptops, however Tesla makes use of no cobalt within the iron-phosphate packs, and virtually none within the nickel-based chemistries,” he was quoted as saying. “On on a weighted-average foundation we’d use 2% cobalt in comparison with say, Apple’s 100% cobalt. Anyway, so it’s simply actually not an element.”
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The problem of cobalt primarily pertains to the bigger challenge of mining in nations like Democratic Republic of Congo the place many level to widespread violation of human rights. Most firms wish to have a sustained provide of cobalt to be used in cells however – fairly clearly – don’t wish to be recognized for getting these from nations with such a nefarious fame.
Apple prior to now has highlighted that every one its cobalt suppliers participated in audits in 2020. Musk nonetheless pointed to the extent to which cobalt is utilized in batteries for Apple devices vis-a-vis batteries meant for Tesla EVs.
However that’s not all.
Musk reportedly took one other dig at Apple when requested if rival EVs could make use of Tesla charging community. “I feel we do wish to emphasize that our purpose is to help the arrival of sustainable vitality. It’s not to create a walled backyard and use that to bludgeon our opponents which is utilized by some firms,” he mentioned, earlier than pretend coughing ‘Apple’.
Musk has been beforehand praised by Apple CEO Tim Prepare dinner who has mentioned that he admires his work model. And whereas Tesla and Apple usually are not direct opponents, Apple reportedly has plans of growing an electrical automobile and its Undertaking Titan is believed to be working in the direction of that finish.
(With inputs from CNBC)
