Apple has put more weight behind its electric car efforts and has set a target shipment date of 2019, The Wall Street Journal reportedMonday, citing sources.
The tech giant has called the car initiative, named "Titan" within the company, a "committed project" and has met with California officials in determining the feasibility of an Apple car, according to the report. The outlet reports the employees spearheading the 600-person project have been given permission to triple the number of people working on it.
It marks the latest in a string of reports suggesting Apple could look to compete in the automotive industry. The Journal said the 2019 target date is far from concrete, as the company would still need to refine features and clear regulatory and production barriers.
Related: 10 Biggest Tech Flops of the Century
Apple would look to apply its battery, software and hardware production experience from its range of devices to churning out cars. Under the reported timeline, the company would come into the electric car market much later than many of its established would-be competitors.
The segment has also come under pressure in the last year amid a sustained low oil price environment. West Texas Intermediate crudeprices have fallen nearly 50 percent in the last year.
Apple declined to comment to CNBC.
Apple shares were trading about 1 percent higher Monday afternoon. Shares of electric automaker Tesla Motors, which were trading higher earlier Monday, turned negative after the report.
This article originally appeared on CNBC.
Read more from CNBC:
Biotech falls on Clinton 'price gouging' comments
It could be a long time before it's safe to buy oil
Another government shutdown? Here's the cost
