New battery technology

[hbuck]

Is Slate looking at the new battery technology that is going to be on line and produced in 2027/2028? The German dealt and air technology seems to be the game changer. Just wondering if Slate will consider these batteries over the current lithium as a replacement or standard moving forward

 

[motorolas]

Not sure if that’s possible unless Slate breaks their agreement with SK On.
From what I remember reading, Slate and SK On have a contract from 2026 to 2031. Supplying 20GWh battery capacity for ~300,000 vehicles.

https://eng.sk.com/news/sk-on-selected-as-battery-supplier-for-u-s-ev-startup-slate

https://www.kedglobal.com/batteries/newsView/ked202504250003

 

[MiketheCarGeek]

Slate needs to find Batteries "off the shelf". They are not big enough like GM or Ford to develop new Batteries (LMR=Lithium Manganese Rich) or tell their Partners to make LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) in America.

The best they can do is look for opportunities. Maybe Ford's LFP Plan in Michigan will have excess capacity and they can buy from Ford. Same for GM making LFP with Samsung and LG Energy.

 

[metroshot]

Unlikely for the first iteration of the Slate - NMC is the standard these days with all EV manufcturers.

Maybe the next version might have the highly touted Japanese solid state or sodium batteries ?

I was just looking at the new iPhone 17 Air that I am getting this fall.

It uses a different battery chemistry - silicon instead of graphite giving 15% more energy density and faster recharge times.

 

[sodamo]

We don’t know what their contract with SK On says about technology.

 

[bartflossom]

I fully expect all of us early adopters to have a little buyer's remorse a couple of years after we buy. 4WD. Better batteries. Long bed versions. 4 door versions. Perhaps other vehicles like cars or 3 row suvs.

I don't really care. If they come out with something I really like better, I'll spend some of the kid's inheritance and get it, dammit. Try and stop me.

 

[sodamo]

I fully expect all of us early adopters to have a little buyer's remorse a couple of years after we buy. 4WD. Better batteries. Long bed versions. 4 door versions. Perhaps other vehicles like cars or 3 row suvs.

I don't really care. If they come out with something I really like better, I'll spend some of the kid's inheritance and get it, dammit. Try and stop me.

Exactly. That’s what it’s for. Tell my son all the time to expect to inherit appreciated asset, well appreciated.

 

[AZFox]

I fully expect all of us early adopters to have a little buyer's remorse a couple of years after we buy. 4WD. Better batteries. Long bed versions. 4 door versions. Perhaps other vehicles like cars or 3 row suvs.

My only reasons for buyer's remorse would be a major design or production flaw. Or maybe customer-predatory subscription features (*fox-growl sound*).

Other than that I'll be golden if the Truck performs as advertised.

 

[KevinRS]

Early this year, after I heard second hand that my uncle was looking at Rivian, I started looking at EV trucks, and I was disappointed seeing the prices. Nearly everything is 70k+. So I think I agree that unless there is some major flaw or something, I wouldn't be having buyer's remorse. Gas prices keep going up.
EVs from the beginning were supposed to end up costing less, in major part by eliminating a large number of moving parts, think how many parts are just in an automatic transmission. Instead automakers have been building nearly exclusively for the luxury market because it is more profitable.
I think my searches on EV trucks meant when Slate announced, I was targeted with the ads and videos, I eventually looked at the site, and made my reservation.