Upgradable battery management and battery chemistry options (future-proof)

[zipn]

I would like to see Slate design the battery / charging system hardware and management firmware/software to be configurable (charge rate, voltage and current modulation, algorithms, etc.) designed for expected battery upgrades. Ford and GM have already announced expected breakthroughs with lower cost, lighter weight lithium-manganese-rich (LMR ) battery chemistries due in the next few years. Toyota and others are working on solid-state batteries as well. These new batteries will probably have different (but not too different) requirements for charging limits and monitoring than the default battery from Slate.

I understand the Slate nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery is designed primarily to meet the requirements for the possible tax credit, and that's fine for the initial release, but what if the system was designed so that 5-10 years from now, the original battery could be pulled out (quick-connects for the cooling lines?), and an entirely different battery put in? One with less weight, more range? A simple change in the firmware via an over-the-air update and the Slate now has longer range!

I suspect this will require a "universal" battery management system that's initially preprogrammed for the 2 original battery options, but with proper design, could have the ability to change it's voltage, current and charging/monitoring parameters to handle larger kwh batteries (not necessarily with faster charging as that would require much larger power electronics, but at least it could provide the longer range and cold weather performance promised with the next-gen batteries).

Slate could get some additional revenue (as well as 3rd party battery suppliers) by providing the DIYers the option to upgrade the battery with e Slate-compatible battery pack (same size, mounting, colling & wiring ports and voltage) and a quick firmware update.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a64746843/gm-lmr-battery-cells-future-ev-lower-prices/

https://insideevs.com/news/757802/slate-ev-battery-chemistry-lfp/

 

[skidoofast]

That would be ideal if they believe this vehicle will have a 2nd or 3rd owner like they state in interviews

 

[JeffVA]

That would be ideal if they believe this vehicle will have a 2nd or 3rd owner like they state in interviews

If they put a better battery in it now it will have a 2nd and 3rd owner.

How about the the option of a better battery with no tax credit or the current battery with a tax credit

 

[catiare]

I think they sell battery kits for old Leafs that increase the range to more miles than the original battery. So I can imagine this would be possible in the future.

 

[GreatLakes]

I think they sell battery kits for old Leafs that increase the range to more miles than the original battery. So I can imagine this would be possible in the future.

The method I've heard is to buy crashed Leafs that still have an undamaged pack. At least the first ten years of them all had the same physical size, in kWh of 20, 30,40. So range about 75, 115, and 150 miles. Not sure if the newest models at 240 miles are still the same size.

There are several shops scattered across the States that specialize in this process. (one near Portland OR had about 25 upgraded Leafs when I looked). There is some coverage on the process on Youtube, technically a competent DIYer could do it. Perhaps still not cost effective versus just buying a used Leaf with a larger battery (especially with existing used EV credit).