Apple discussed acquisition options with EV startup Canoo in 2020

As per the report, Apple "held meetings" with Canoo to talk about the latter's skateboard platform that will be used for all its upcoming vehicles, from the subscription-based / ride-sharing pod to delivery and food trucks. It is created to support a range of vehicle applications for consumers and businesses, and as described by The Verge, it integrates more of the car's electronics for more flexibility in cabin design.

Talks with Apple fell through, and Canoo went public later previous year.

Shares of electric van startup Canoo were up as high as 25 percent in pre-market trading Wednesday on news it held tie-up talks with Apple a year ago.

Apple was apparently interested in Canoo's proprietary electric vehicle "skateboard" platform, which incorporates the entire battery and drivetrain to make it compatible with a variety of body styles. That announcement and any potential partnership between the two vehicle companies appears to be unrelated to Apple's involvement with either one.

Apple's work on autonomous vehicle systems has been a poorly kept secret for years. Originally thought to be focused on developing an actual production vehicle, the goal of the project was shifted to creating the underlying autonomous systems of a self-driving auto.

A deal between Apple and Hyundai to produce the Apple Car could be closer than originally thought, as new details emerge indicating that the two are working toward finalizing the partnership as soon as March, with plans to actually begin producing the first Apple Car by 2024.