South Korean battery manufacturer SK On is one of Ford’s top suppliers and partners in that particular space, with the two combining forces to form a joint-venture called BlueOval SK that will begin producing batteries for Ford EV models starting in Q1 of this year in a new plant located inKentucky. However, as one might imagine, Ford isn’t SK On’s only customer – rather, a host of other automakers also get EV batteries from that particular company, including Nissan. Now, we can add another to that list – Slate Auto – which just unveiled its very first automobile last week.
Slate Auto will indeed get its EV batteries from SK On, the company has announced, to the tune of 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) beginning in 2026 and lasting through 2031, with an option to secure more as it ramps up production moving forward. Those batteries – which are high-nickel NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) units – will be built in the U.S. as well.
“This partnership with Slate demonstrates how our U.S. manufacturing capabilities are enabling more effective and flexible support for innovative customers,” said Seok-hee Lee, CEO of SK On. “North America is a key market for us, and we are committed to delivering reliable, high-quality batteries that support our partners in making EVs more accessible, while reducing emissions, and advancing sustainable mobility.”
Slate Auto will offer just one product for now, with deliveries of its “Truck” model “slated” to begin in 2026. The Ford Maverick rival of sorts (though it’s roughly two feet shorter and has a larger bed) will utilize a 52.7 kWh battery pack in base form, coupled with a single electric motor offering up 150 miles of range. Customers will also be able to upgrade to an accessory 84.3 kWh battery pack that boosts range to 240 miles as well. Output comes in at 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 1,433 pounds.
Workers are reportedly dealing with a variety of hazards.
It's part of a bigger giveaway involving an entire home.
It's rather cheap by comparison, but also a bit rough.
Its per-unit cost impact is lower than almost all of its rivals.
And a whopping seven percent, year-over-year.
