Slate Truck to Utilize LFP Batteries in Production Vehicles
June 24, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Slate's electric pickup truck is set to launch in Canada with a lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, replacing the initially planned nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, to make the vehicle more affordable for Canadian buyers and potentially qualify for the iZEV incentive program.
The new 65-kilowatt-hour LFP pack has a range of 205 miles, with 181 horsepower and unchanged acceleration of 8 seconds to 60 mph, making it suitable for daily commutes and short trips in Canada's electric vehicle market.
The Slate pickup's expected Canadian pricing of around $30,000 - $35,000 CAD, combined with government rebates of up to $5,000, makes it an attractive and affordable option for Canadian electric vehicle buyers, with pre-orders open and production scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year.
Slate's Ultra-Customizable EV Pickup to Hit Canadian Market with Lower-Cost Battery Pack
Slate, the Jeff Bezos-backed auto startup, is set to launch its minimalist and highly customizable electric pickup truck in Canada later this year. The company has announced a significant change to its battery pack, swapping out the initially planned nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery for a lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack from supplier Gotion. This move is expected to make the vehicle more affordable for Canadian buyers, with a base price that will be competitive in the Canadian market, potentially qualifying for the Canadian government's iZEV incentive program and various provincial rebates.
LFP Batteries Offer Durability and Cost Savings
LFP batteries are known for their durability and lower cost compared to high-nickel cells used in most other EVs. However, they trade off energy density, resulting in less driving range. Despite this, LFP batteries are gaining popularity, and their capabilities are improving. For Slate, the switch to LFP makes sense, given the company's focus on affordability. The new battery pack will be manufactured at Gotion's factory in Illinois, which is relatively close to Slate's production facility in Indiana, reducing logistics costs and allowing for a more efficient supply chain that could benefit Canadian customers.
Range and Performance
The new 65-kilowatt-hour LFP pack has a range of 205 miles, which is an improvement over the initially estimated 150 miles. While the switch to LFP has resulted in a slightly lower voltage and a reduction in power output from 201 horsepower to 181, acceleration remains unchanged at 8 seconds to 60 mph. For Canadian drivers, the 205-mile range should be sufficient for daily commutes and short trips, making the Slate pickup an attractive option. With the Canadian government's iZEV incentive program offering up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible EVs, and some provinces like British Columbia and Quebec offering additional rebates, the Slate pickup's competitive pricing and range make it an interesting choice for Canadian buyers.
Availability and Pre-Orders
Slate has opened up pre-orders for its EV pickup, with production scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year. Canadian buyers can expect the vehicle to be available in the near future, with pricing expected to be competitive in the Canadian market. As the Canadian EV market continues to grow, with many provinces investing in EV charging infrastructure and offering incentives for EV adoption, the Slate pickup is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. With its ultra-customizable design, lower-cost battery pack, and range of 205 miles, the Slate pickup is an exciting addition to the Canadian EV market, and its availability is expected to be announced soon, along with details on Canadian pricing, which is expected to be around $30,000 - $35,000 CAD, making it an attractive option for Canadian buyers looking for an affordable and feature-rich EV.
