'); //]]>//--> By John P. Mello Jr. Dec 23, 2020 4:00 AM PT A report that Apple is readying its own self-driving car for release in 2024 is being met with a healthy dose of skepticism by some analysts. The new vehicle for consumers would include breakthrough battery technology developed by Apple that would "radically" reduce the cost of batteries and increase the vehicle's driving range, Reuters reported Monday. It explained the battery uses a "monocell" design that allows more active material to be packed into it and thereby extend its range. The company is also looking into using lithium iron phosphate, which is less likely to overheat, for the battery's chemistry.