SK On Selected as Battery Supplier for U.S. EV Startup Slate

• SK On’s U.S.-made batteries to power Slate vehicles from 2026
• Partnership highlights SK On’s expanding presence in the U.S. EV market

Seoul - SK On, a leading global battery and trading company, announced today it has been selected as the battery supplier for U.S.-based electric vehicle (EV) startup Slate, reinforcing its position as a key battery supplier in North America.

SK On is slated to supply about 20 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of U.S.-made batteries beginning in 2026 through 2031, with an option for additional volumes as Slate scales up its production.

The partnership highlights SK On’s efforts to expand its presence in North America and stay ahead in the evolving EV landscape. In particular, working with emerging players like Slate shows SK On’s ability to meet the growing needs for flexible, scalable battery supply in the U.S.

“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.”

SK On, part of South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate SK Group, is one of the first movers in driving the EV battery manufacturing industry in the U.S., making inroads into the market as early as 2019. This early commitment to U.S. battery manufacturing is driving tangible progress, strengthening SK On’s competitiveness and supporting its growing customer base in the region.

The partnership with Slate also signifies SK On’s strategic move into more affordable EV market segment. While SK On has primarily served premium EV models, the latest partnership broadens its reach and supports the industry push toward wider EV adoption. 

The Slate Truck will be powered by SK On’s high-nickel NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery, renowned for its energy density, safety, and performance. This supports Slate’s goal of offering a radically affordable EV, while maintaining reliability and quality driving experience.

“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.”

In recognition of their newly formed partnership, SK On CEO Lee attended Slate’s vehicle and brand launch in Long Beach, Calif., on April 24, joining Slate CEO Barman and industry leaders for the debut of its electric pickup.

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About SK On

SK On is a global leading battery & trading company committed to technological innovation for a better, sustainable future. SK On was launched as an independent company in October 2021 after SK Innovation, South Korea’s largest energy company, decided to split off its battery business unit. SK On merged with SK Trading International in November 2024 followed by SK Enterm in February 2025 in a strategy to secure sustainable growth.

SK On aims to accelerate the green energy transition by leveraging its global production base and R&D capabilities, as well as its manufacturing and quality management know-how. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, SK On has a worldwide presence with battery plants currently operating or in construction across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

For more information, visit: http://eng.sk-on.com/

About Slate 

Slate is a new American company established in 2022 focused on delivering radically affordable, personalizable and reliable electric vehicles. The Slate is an innovative truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV. Slate was founded on a disruptive business model of simplifying the manufacturing process and reindustrializing America.