Slate CEO Chris Barman and SK On CEO Seok-hee Lee recently announced a partnership for SK On to provide US-made batteries for the Slate EV.
SK On, a global battery manufacturer and energy solutions provider, has been selected to supply batteries to US-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Slate.
The agreement covers approximately 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of American-made batteries from 2026 to 2031, with an option to extend supply as Slate ramps up production.
The collaboration reflects SK On’s continued expansion in North America and its focus on scalable, domestic battery production.
SK On entered the US market in 2019 and has since played a role in shaping the region’s battery manufacturing landscape. The company is part of SK Group, one of South Korea’s largest industrial conglomerates.
The partnership marks a strategic entry into more cost-sensitive EV segments, diversifying SK On’s portfolio beyond premium vehicles. The Slate truck will be powered by SK On’s high-nickel NCM battery, designed to balance energy density, safety, and performance.
Designed for adaptability, the Slate Truck features a modular architecture that allows drivers to reconfigure the vehicle from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV. The platform is built to accommodate varying needs, from personal use to commercial applications.
“This partnership with Slate demonstrates how our US 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.”
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News