Need to pivot to LFP

[AZFox]

I never understood the LFP buzz

- lower cost
- longer lifespan (2-3 times more charge cycles)
- inherently safer / better thermal stability (~80% less likely to enter thermal runaway)
- less geopolitically sensitive and ethically controversial (no cobalt)
- more sensitive to cold (should not be charged below 0°C without preheating)
- 20-30% more weight

LFP for durability and value, NMC for range and performance.

I don't think the 100% vs 80% thing is necessarily less abusive, rather the inherent longer lifespan of LFP allows you get away with abusing it and still be OK because it started out capable of more charge cycles.

 

[catiare]

- lower cost

Im not in the industry but my assumption is that LFP is cheaper when all things being equal but in the US we have a glut of NMC production which makes it ultimately cheaper. If we had to import them from China, LFP would be a no brainer but that is not possible at this time. Since Slate is trying to bring a low cost EV to market getting the best deal on batteries is priority over the other factors.

 

[beatle]

Im not in the industry but my assumption is that LFP is cheaper when all things being equal but in the US we have a glut of NMC production which makes it ultimately cheaper. If we had to import them from China, LFP would be a no brainer but that is not possible at this time. Since Slate is trying to bring a low cost EV to market getting the best deal on batteries is priority over the other factors.

I wouldn't say NMC is cheaper. It's still more expensive to produce regardless of where you make it. Slate's contract for batteries is with SK On who will build the batteries for Slate in Georgia though 2031. That's a pretty big contract to break, and SK On won't be making LFP there in volume for another year or so.

Since this thread is about switching to LFP, I still think that's definitely a possibility. It'll probably be decided in part based on how much money it would save, and whether people take the standard NMC pack or not. If people still opt for the extended NMC, battery Slate moving to a 180 mile LFP might drive away too many potential buyers who prioritize range.