Slate, the maker of a stripped-down EV pickup truck, has changed its battery strategy to simplify its product. The company has eliminated the optional 240-mile pack and bumped the standard pack from 150 miles to 205 miles. This change was made possible by switching from nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, which are less energy dense but cheaper by about 40%.
The switch to LFP cells was likely influenced by the changing battery market in the US. Initially, Slate planned to use NMC cells, but the high cost of nickel and cobalt made LFP a more attractive option. The company is working with Chinese battery company Gotion to source the cells, which will be built at a factory in Illinois.
The use of LFP cells has also allowed Slate to adopt cell-to-pack technology, which trims manufacturing steps and boosts volumetric energy density. This change, combined with the lower cost of LFP cells, makes the Slate truck an attractive option for those looking for an affordable EV.
