We know you've heard the story before. Apple's plans to start production of its own car have been swirling around for ages. At one point, Apple seemed interested in skipping all the development and just straight-up buying Tesla. Then we got the feeling that the brand would focus on supplying parts to the auto industry, following its patent for smart windscreen glass and then its innovations with automatic window tinting.

But a new report from Reuters indicates that Apple is still very serious about bringing its own car to market by 2024, and if it can pull this off, the completed product could be something really special.

Sources close to Apple (who wish to remain unnamed due to the secrecy surrounding Apple's "Project Titan") have sad that a new battery design could revolutionize packaging and range for EVs. Supposedly, Apple intends to use a new and unique "monocell" design that enlarges the individual cells in the battery, thus freeing up space inside the battery pack by eliminating the need for pouches and modules that hold battery terminals. What this means is that more cellular density can be achieved, resulting in the potential for longer range. Apple is also said to be working on a lithium iron phosphate that is less likely to overheat. Perhaps the company should consider looking at adopting this tech for its smartphones too.

This could be truly revolutionary, which is what people expect of Apple products. Of course, there are other challenges to overcome besides those associated with innovation. A reliable supply chain needs to be set up and Apple needs to find a partner to actually manufacture the vehicle. In the longer term, Apple could get to building its own manufacturing facilities, but an enormous amount of money would have to be invested to make this happen, and that may not sit well with investors. Everybody wants to be like Tesla, but it has taken almost two decades for cars like the Model S to be truly worthwhile for buyers. Apple will have to move faster than anyone to catch up.