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

[Mac-Tyson]

https://fortune.com/2025/09/09/the-...s-opening-up-capacity-from-battery-suppliers/

In this article it says Slate was initially very focused on ensuring it could offer a rebate from the federal tax credit. But with the Tax Credit ending they have since, “stepped back and surveyed multiple battery suppliers, and what we’re seeing is there are others in the industry that are pulling back as well on their EV launch plans—so it’s opening up capacity,” Barman said. “So we’re going out and seeing…taking survey on what’s there, and see what we can do to look at pricing.”

Full interview (posted by @motorolas):





Admin edit - here's a look at the Slate battery pack:

 

[Dorbiman]

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.

 

[BobSentMe]

This sounds like "a whole lot of other companies suddenly dropped orders, and we're here to swoop up some cheap batteries".
Which, if true, is awesome.

 

[GaRailroader]

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.

Put me down for extended range version with LFPs. Perhaps range goes down to 200. I can live with that.

 

[sodamo]

Put me down for extended range version with LFPs. Perhaps range goes down to 200. I can live with that.

200 be perfect for me

 

[motorolas]

YouTube video

Fortune Magazine - The Everything Truck


Jeff Wilke CFO and Chris Barman CEO
Not much we don’t already know, more of an audience for investment and awareness.

Discussed
Re:Build Manufacturing beginnings
First model name proposed FN1 or Freaking Nuts!
Leading Wrap manufacturer - may not need “hair dryer”
Slate University discussion
Re-survey the market after EV credits go away.
Looking at new battery technology, partners, etc.
Q&A from audience

 

[Adam W]

Chris said the SUV kit would be in the $5000 range. That's not a number I had heard before from an official source.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Chris said the SUV kit would be in the $5000 range. That's not a number I had heard before from an official source.

Dang. That would price it at what I guessed 2 months ago…$27 + $5 + $3 (ext batt) + $2 (other upgrades)….$37 + TTLD. Hope we can really a la carte the SUV components, bc I don’t need the whole thing for open air.

 

[E90400K]

So, the takeaway here is Slate WAS depending on their low price being underpinned by the US Taxpayers. This supports my point I've made in other threads that the Federal tax credit is a hinderance to good engineering to reduce component cost on the part of manufacturers.

Now, does this "resurvey" of the EV battery supplier market delay the production schedule? Remember, Slate said they are building the battery in house from BEV supply-chain components. One would think at this point with full rate production just some 15 months out, the battery production plan is already locked down and the production equipment on order. Is it too late to switch horses and maintain the late-2026 production schedule?

Interesting

 

[HTXSlate]

So, the takeaway here is Slate WAS depending on their low price being underpinned by the US Taxpayers. This supports my point I've made in other threads that the Federal tax credit is a hinderance to good engineering to reduce component cost on the part of manufacturers.

Now, does this "resurvey" of the EV battery supplier market delay the production schedule? Remember, Slate said they are building the battery in house from BEV supply-chain components. One would think at this point with full rate production just some 15 months out, the battery production plan is already locked down and the production equipment on order. Is it too late to switch horses and maintain the late-2026 production schedule?

Interesting

Maybe it's a second gen and further out plan?????