News: Slate exploring different battery supplier. SUV kit price to be $5000 range

[KevinRS]

I think they may still be at a stage where a battery change is possible. Last factory update we saw, they were still in demo, and had pallets of only the most basic parts of the assembly line on hand, like parts of the track vehicles would move along, that would be needed whatever the configuration. As long as batteries from another supplier can be built into a pack that fits the same footprint in the vehicle, that's only a short branch of the line that changes at all.

 

[sodamo]

I think they may still be at a stage where a battery change is possible. Last factory update we saw, they were still in demo, and had pallets of only the most basic parts of the assembly line on hand, like parts of the track vehicles would move along, that would be needed whatever the configuration. As long as batteries from another supplier can be built into a pack that fits the same footprint in the vehicle, that's only a short branch of the line that changes at all.

i would hope the pack is somewhat generic in that it could accommodate a variety of cells.

 

[Dorbiman]

It's also common for EVs to have multiple battery manufacturers, and sometimes even different battery chemistries. The Mustang Mach E had NMC and LFP packs in the same model year. The ID.4 had both LG Chem & SK batteries. I wouldn't be surprised if they ran with multiple suppliers now that there may be a surplus of supply

 

[Splinter]

I'd love if it was an LFP pack. I know they're generally less energy dense, but the increased longevity and ability to charge to 100% all the time with little to no effect on battery health is a big bonus to me.

Some sources say it's OK to charge LFP batteries to 100% all the time. Other sources say it's not a good idea. Which is correct? If, in fact, charging an LFP battery to 100% is OK, then it could have a range that's equal to an NMC battery that's only charged to a recommended 80%. But let's forget that for a moment. Let's assume that Slate sticks with the planned NMC battery pack, and the battery is only charged to a recommended max of 80%. Obviously, the estimated range is going to be less than 150 miles (perhaps 120 miles?). Now let's get real. You're taking a trip in your Slate. It's night, and your lights are on. You're running the heater or the AC. You've added a nice audio system with a subwoofer to your truck, and you've got it cranked up. You've got a passenger with you that weighs 200 pounds. You've also got the additional weight of a spare tire, a jack, and a couple of 40 pound bags of dirt in the bed. Lastly, you're cruising down the freeway at 70 mph. Now what's your range? 100 miles? Perhaps, even less? I'll be glad when third parties are able to test the Slate truck and report on real-world range and actual 0 to 60 acceleration times.

 

[catiare]

Some sources say it's OK to charge LFP batteries to 100% all the time. Other sources say it's not a good idea. Which is correct? If, in fact, charging an LFP battery to 100% is OK, then it could have a range that's equal to an NMC battery that's only charged to a recommended 80%. But let's forget that for a moment. Let's assume that Slate sticks with the planned NMC battery pack, and the battery is only charged to a recommended max of 80%. Obviously, the estimated range is going to be less than 150 miles (perhaps 120 miles?). Now let's get real. You're taking a trip in your Slate. It's night, and your lights are on. You're running the heater or the AC. You've added a nice audio system with a subwoofer to your truck, and you've got it cranked up. You've got a passenger with you that weighs 200 pounds. You've also got the additional weight of a spare tire, a jack, and a couple of 40 pound bags of dirt in the bed. Lastly, you're cruising down the freeway at 70 mph. Now what's your range? 100 miles? Perhaps, even less? I'll be glad when third parties are able to test the Slate truck and report on real-world range and actual 0 to 60 acceleration times.

If i recall correctly, LFP is recommended to be charged frequently to 100% due to the charging curve so the BMS needs it to properly calibrate the batteries. Both batteries chemistries suffer over 80% SoC and under 20% but because LFP are rated for a lot more charges/discharges (=lasts longer) so then degradation is less of an issue. Its also important to note that LPF are less energy dense (=heavier at same KWH). For example the 2021 Model 3 RWD LFP was rated for 270 miles while the same year NMC was like around 320 (don’t remember the exact value) im assuming Tesla tried to maintain same vehicle weight there.

Regarding the extra weigh and stuff you are right. Drag will be a big killer at highway but we wont know the real numbers until we see some test data from them.