For years, there have been rumors that technology giant Apple wants to branch out into the automotive industry and launch a technologically-advanced electric car. These plans are getting closer to reality as Apple has reportedly been in talks with Kia about a potential collaboration to make this happen, combining Apple's cutting-edge technology with Kia's design and engineering expertise.

Apple isn't the only technology giant that wants to enter the auto industry, however. According to Reuters, China's Huawei is also planning to launch new electric cars under its own brand. Despite having no experience in car design or production, the telecommunications giant is allegedly planning to launch its first electric cars as early as this year. Apple's electric car, on the other hand, may not launch until 2024.

This surprising change in direction for the company was influenced by strict sanctions imposed on Huawei by the US that have blocked access to key supply changes and sell part of its smartphone business.

While Apple wants to build its first electric car at Kia's Georgia plant, Huawei has reportedly approached China's Changan Automobile, which manufactures Ford cars for the Chinese market including the Ford Edge and Lincoln Aviator. Another source claims the telecommunications giant wants to collaborate with BAIC Group's BluePark New Energy Technology to manufacture the EVs. Speaking with Reuters, a spokesman denied claims that Huawei wants to design and build electric cars.

"Huawei is not a car manufacturer. However through ICT (information and communications technology), we aim to be a digital car-oriented and new-added components provider, enabling car OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to build better vehicles."

No design details have been revealed, but Huawei's EVs are expected to be aimed at the mass-market, which implies they will rival models like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4. It remains to be seen if Huawei's electric cars will be sold globally like Tesla's upcoming Chinese-built electric city car. Huawei may not have any experience designing or building cars, but it has already developed technology for EVs including in-car software, sensors, and 5G communications hardware. It's also one of several Chinese tech companies that wants to enter the EV industry and capitalize on the demand in China, the world's largest EV market.