Elon Musk takes dig at Apple, defends Tesla, points to cobalt use in cells

Elon Musk says he thinks Apple uses 100% cobalt in its products while Tesla hardly uses any.Elon Musk has also highlighted that Tesla charging network
...
File photo of Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (REUTERS)
File photo of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has pointed the accusatory finger towards Apple and said the electronics giant is guilty of using cobalt in the batteries that are then fitted into gadgets. At the same time, Musk also painted a favourable image for Tesla and said the batteries made use of by the EV company hardly uses any cobalt.

As per reports in the US media, Musk took a dig at Apple during Tesla’s quarterly earnings call. "Apple uses I think almost 100% cobalt in their batteries and cell phones and laptops, but Tesla uses no cobalt in the iron-phosphate packs, and almost none in the nickel-based chemistries," he was quoted as saying. "On on a weighted-average basis we might use 2% cobalt compared to say, Apple’s 100% cobalt. Anyway, so it’s just really not a factor."

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Tesla Model S (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon100 kWh Range Icon570 km
₹70 Lakhs - 1 Cr
Alert Me When Launched
Tesla Model 3 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon82kWh Range Icon 555 km
₹ 40 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched
Battre Electric Mobility Loev (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.1 kWh Range Icon60 km
₹59,900
Compare
Battre Electric Mobility One (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.1 kWh Range Icon85 km
₹74,000
Compare
Battre Electric Mobility Storie (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon3.1 kWh Range Icon132 km
₹ 94,999 - 1.10 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon64.8 kWh Range Icon418 Km
₹ 25 Lakhs
Alert Me When Launched

Also Read : Tesla 'quite likely' to build factory in India, says Elon Musk

The issue of cobalt primarily pertains to the larger issue of mining in countries like Democratic Republic of Congo where many point to widespread violation of human rights. Most companies want to have a sustained supply of cobalt for use in cells but - quite obviously - do not want to be known for getting these from countries with such a nefarious reputation.

Apple in the past has highlighted that all its cobalt suppliers participated in audits in 2020. Musk however pointed to the extent to which cobalt is used in batteries for Apple gadgets vis-a-vis batteries meant for Tesla EVs.

But that is not all.

Musk reportedly took another dig at Apple when asked if rival EVs can make use of Tesla charging network. "I think we do want to emphasize that our goal is to support the advent of sustainable energy. It is not to create a walled garden and use that to bludgeon our competitors which is used by some companies," he said, before fake coughing 'Apple'.

Musk has been previously praised by Apple CEO Tim Cook who has said that he admires his work style. And while Tesla and Apple are not direct competitors, Apple reportedly has plans of developing an electric vehicle and its Project Titan is believed to be working towards that end.

(With inputs from CNBC)

Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.

First Published Date: 28 Jul 2021, 09:38 AM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.