Chinese battery giant CATL is supplying samples of ternary lithium batteries for Apple's car project, according to a report by local media outlet xuangubao.cn on Monday.

The samples are still being tested, the report said.

In addition, LG Magna e-Powertrain, a joint venture between LG and Canadian auto supplier Magna International, is close to signing a deal with Apple to produce its early electric car models, South Korean media said recently.

Previously there were rumors that Apple was in talks with Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan about building a car and rumors that Apple was hopeful of a strategic partnership with VW.

BMW Greater China President and CEO Jochen Goller said Monday that BMW is working with CATL in the Chinese market to develop batteries to fit BMW's packaging process.

CATL, a global supplier of electric vehicle batteries, ranked first in the world in January with 4.3GWh of supply, 166.2 percent year-on-year, accounting for 31.2 percent of the global total, according to data provider SNE Research.