Apple is in talks with China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) and BYD to supply batteries for its electric vehicles, but tensions between Washington and Beijing can hinder the deal.

According to the interlocutors of the agency, it is not clear yet whether it will be possible to reach agreements with any of the specified Chinese partners. Apple is ready to ship batteries only if production is organized in the United States. Meanwhile, CATL is not ready to build a plant there due to political differences between the American and Chinese authorities. Whether Apple is discussing shipments with other battery manufacturers is also not known yet. Apple, CATL and BYD refused to give comments.

The American company has set production of its self-driving passenger electric vehicle in 2024. Initially, it was assumed that the battery in it would be created with using the company’s own breakthrough technology, but it is unclear whether this technology appears in negotiations with Chinese suppliers.