South Korean battery and trading company SK On, part of South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate SK Group, has been selected as the battery supplier for US-based electric vehicle startup Slate, highlighting its expanding presence in the US market.

SK On will supply Slate with around 20 GWh of US-manufactured batteries starting in 2026 through 2031, and the startup may take additional volumes as its production increases.

The Slate Truck will be powered by SK On’s nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery. Its high nickel content provides high energy density, safety and performance, supporting Slate’s goal of offering an affordable EV while maintaining reliability.

The partnership reflects SK On’s efforts to expand its presence in North America to meet the growing needs for flexible, scalable battery supply in the US. It also signifies a strategic move into more affordable EV market segments, as SK On has thus far primarily served premium EV models.

“Slate is a truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV,” said Slate CEO Chris Barman. “SK On’s innovative approach and partnership has allowed us to meet our target of delivering a radically affordable vehicle.”

Source: SK On