Latest news with #electrictruck
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Slate's Sub-$20k EV Won't Come Close To That Price
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Slate Truck Gets A 20% Price Adjustment In April, Slate Auto launched an electric truck that it was expecting to sell for less than $20,000 after federal incentives, but with President Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' bringing an end to EV tax credits after September 30, Slate is being forced to adjust its expectations and pricing. As first noted by TechCrunch, the automaker has quietly updated its website to say that the base 'Blank Slate is expected to be priced in the mid-twenties,' indicating a price hike of around 20%, if not more, as this estimate is still 'subject to change' and excludes 'taxes, fees, and accessories.' The automaker did not explain the change, but it seems directly tied to the loss of those tax credits. 0:02 / 0:09 Walmart is selling an 'incredible' car cleaning kit for $20, and shoppers say it makes 'any vehicle shine' Walmart is selling an 'incredible' car cleaning kit for $20, and shoppers say it makes 'any vehicle shine' Watch More Pricing Will Surely Impact Demand Source: Slate After Slate announced its initial targeted starting price, it amassed over 100,000 reservations in just two weeks. Guessing how much an EV can be sold for long before production begins is extremely difficult, but buyers are clearly starved for affordable options. Now that the price is set to increase by several thousand dollars (or, more accurately, the price will not be discounted by $7,500), Slate will likely lose many of those pre-orders. Between now and Slate's targeted initial delivery date of late 2026, plenty can change, including the cost of batteries, so the start-up may still find a way to keep pricing competitive, but there are pressures from other areas, too. Rivals Are Edging Closer To Their Own Cheap EVs The Slate EV starts out with just the essentials, which means that many of the everyday features that appear in most mainstream cars will be missing or optional, and once those options are totted up, the price will likely inch closer to $30,000 than many had originally hoped, and that puts the truck in a very competitive range. Chevrolet is building two affordable EVs that are expected to cost around $30k, Nissan is almost ready to bring the new Leaf to customers at an affordable price, and Kia is working on a $30k electric SUV of its own, but even without EVs in the conversation, a mid-$20,000 MSRP puts the Slate truck in the crosshairs of the Ford Maverick, which starts at $28,145 for 2025. By the time Slate begins deliveries, even more rivals will be vying for a piece of the same pie, so this needs to be a compelling product. At over $25,000, is it? We're betting some of our readers put down a deposit, so let us know below if you intend to follow through with the higher pricing if it doesn't swell any further. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
TechCrunch
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- TechCrunch
Why this LA-based VC firm was an early investor in Slate Auto
Slate Auto, which came out of stealth mode earlier this year with a surprising – and surprisingly affordable – customizable electric truck, has raised $700 million to date. But long before the EV startup broke cover, it quietly raised a Series A round of more than $100 million in 2023. And while Jeff Bezos was involved in that round, as TechCrunch originally reported, he was not alone. A regulatory filing submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission shows as many as 16 investors were involved. Slauson & Co., a Los Angeles venture firm that launched five years ago, is one of the few investors in Slate's Series A to speak publicly about why they backed the company. Slauson & Co. partner Ajay Relan told TechCrunch in an exclusive interview his firm is well aware of the many EV startup bankruptcies that have occurred in recent years, as well as the headwinds coming from the Trump administration for anything green energy-related. Regardless, Relan said he and his partner Austin Clements believe in the startup's mission of providing 'more affordable, reliable, and customizable vehicles that are domestically manufactured.' Relan and Clements started Slauson & Co. in 2020. Friends since high school, they both grew up off of Slauson Avenue in South Central Los Angeles, which Relan wryly categorized as being 'not necessarily known for its tech and venture capital innovation.' 'But it definitely is a source of cultural capital that gets repackaged and distributed to more developed areas and other parts of the world,' Relan said. Slauson & Co.'s mission is to bridge the gap between those two worlds by funding and empowering people who have 'historically just not had their perspective represented in the innovation economy.' Techcrunch event Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Relan said they got turned on to Slate by Jeff Wilkie, the former Amazon consumer division CEO who co-founded Re:Build Manufacturing, an incubator that Slate spun out of. Wilkie, who Relan has known since before founding Slauson & Co, first introduced them to the secretive project in 2023. Relan admits investing in an EV startup is a bit outside of his firm's 'primary themes.' But the duo was intrigued by Slate's mission to make a more affordable and approachable car. He was sold on the venture after Wilkie introduced Slauson & Co. to the Slate team. The startup was still just a few dozen people in early 2023. But those people had decades of experience in the automotive industry. CEO Chris Barman spent more than 20 years at Chrysler, running vehicle line programs, leading the Android Automotive integration, and even collaborating with Waymo. Chairman Rodney Copes and chief financial officer Ryan Green spent years at Harley-Davidson and Rivian. Barman particularly impressed the Slauson & Co. partners. 'She has great vision. She has a great reputation within the company she's worked for before,' Clements said. 'She's no frills, not about the hype. She's really about delivering.' Clements said he and Relan also rely heavily on taste when it comes to early-stage investing. 'Do we think that this is something that resonates with what people are looking for at this point?' he said. 'The idea that there are no affordable cars, particularly for young people, but really for everybody, and just the mismatch between affordability of vehicles and what's available just didn't make sense.' Slate's truck won't hit the market until late 2026, but Relan and Clements already have a little validation that their eye for taste was spot on with Slate: The company passed 100,000 refundable reservations in just two weeks. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be standing alongside some serious financial and industrial firepower. Not only did Bezos invest in that initial funding round, but Slate also courted big money from Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter as well as VC firm General Catalyst. ('The partners they were able to bring along for the journey before and after us were icing on the cake,' Reman said in an email.) Those backers have helped fill Slate's coffers to the tune of around $700 million, and the company told TechCrunch that it's already started on a Series C funding round. Slauson & Co. also invested in the Series B; the firm declined to share how much it has invested in Slate to date. This combination – the Slate team, the major backers, and the opportunity at the entry level of the car market – left Relan and Clements believing their investment can generate a good return, even in the notoriously low-margin auto business. 'We have to have some deep conviction that this is something that could drive very real returns in the fund,' Clements said, before adding with a laugh: 'You know, we're not just a purely philanthropic organization.'
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Battery X Metals Reports Estimated Driving Range Increase of 255 Kilometers Following Successful Rebalancing of Light-Duty Electric Vehicle Model with Severe Cell Imbalance, Restoring Post-Rebalance Range to 295 Kilometers in Preliminary Trial
News Release Highlights: Battery X Rebalancing Technologies has restored a severely degraded Class 3 electric truck from a reported ~40-kilometer range to an estimated 295 kilometers range per charge under no-load conditions (a 255-kilometer increase; 637.5% improvement) based on results from controlled real-world performance trials. Prototype 2.0, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' patent-pending battery rebalancing platform, demonstrated breakthrough results in the field by fully restoring lost capacity in a 144-cell NMC battery pack exhibiting severe natural cell imbalance-achieving 100% recovery of imbalance-related losses and delivering a 37.7% increase in Rated Capacity. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies has been informed of a broader commercial opportunity following reports of widespread battery degradation across similar electric trucks in active service-underscoring growing demand for a scalable, cost-effective rebalancing solution to extend battery life and reduce operating costs for commercial EV stakeholders. VANCOUVER, BC / / July 4, 2025 / Battery X Metals Inc. (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW, WKN:A40X9W)("Battery X Metals" or the "Company") an energy transition resource exploration and technology company, announces that further to its news release dated June 6, 2025, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies Inc. ("Battery X Rebalancing Technologies"), has successfully completed a real-world driving trial demonstrating a significant increase in estimated driving range for a fully electric, Class 3 commercial electric vehicle, or light-duty electric vehicle (the "Electric Truck"), following a full battery rebalancing process using the Company's patent-pending second-generation lithium-ion battery rebalancing hardware and software platform ("Prototype 2.0"). As part of its ongoing performance validation program for Prototype 2.0, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies recently conducted a series of real-world road tests on a rebalanced Electric Truck to evaluate post-rebalancing driving range and battery efficiency. The Electric Truck was supplied by an authorized Canadian distributor of the Electric Truck (the "Electric Truck Authorized Distributor") and, as represented by the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor, had previously demonstrated a significantly degraded driving range of approximately 40 kilometers per full charge caused by significant natural cell imbalance caused by real-world conditions. In response to this battery capacity performance deficiency, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies performed a battery rebalancing procedure on the Electric Truck utilizing Prototype 2.0, as initially disclosed in the Company's news release dated June 6, 2025. During the associated rebalancing trial (the "Rebalancing Trial"), Battery X Rebalancing Technologies successfully completed a full rebalancing process on a 144-cell lithium-ion battery pack composed of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) chemistry, which had exhibited substantial imbalance attributable to real-world operating conditions. The Rebalancing Trial demonstrated complete (100%) recovery of imbalance-related capacity loss and yielded a 37.7% increase in the Rated Capacity (as defined in the June 6, 2025 news release) of the Electric Truck's battery pack. The ResultsFollowing completion of the rebalancing procedure, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies conducted a series of controlled real-world performance evaluations (each, a "Trial" and collectively, the "Battery Range Performance Trials") on the Electric Truck for the purpose of assessing post-rebalancing improvements in battery range and overall energy efficiency under actual operating conditions. In the first Trial, the Electric Truck traveled a total distance of 41 kilometers, utilizing approximately 14% of its available battery capacity, while operating across a combination of highway and city driving environments. In the second Trial, the vehicle completed a distance of 107.3 kilometers while consuming approximately 35% of its battery capacity, under similarly mixed driving conditions. The third Trial, conducted exclusively under city driving conditions, demonstrated that the vehicle traveled 58.2 kilometers while utilizing approximately 21% of its available battery charge (collectively, the "Results"). The Results demonstrate a material improvement in the estimated driving range and effective battery capacity of the Electric Truck. Specifically, post-rebalancing performance testing indicates an estimated driving range of approximately 295 kilometers per full charge under no-load conditions. These figures represent an increase of up to 255 kilometers in driving range under no-load conditions, corresponding to an approximately 637.5% improvement of battery driving range, as compared to the pre-rebalancing range of approximately 40 kilometers. The Results affirm the technical efficacy and commercial relevance of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' proprietary rebalancing process and support its broader applicability within light-duty electric vehicle fleets and other commercial electric transportation use cases. The Electric Truck parent company has represented that the Electric Truck's expected driving range under maximum payload conditions is approximately 290 kilometers. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' Battery Range Performance Trials yielded an estimated range of approximately 295 kilometers under no-load conditions following rebalancing. Although these figures were obtained under different load scenarios, the close alignment between the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor's reported range and the post-rebalancing estimate supports the reliability of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' testing methodology. Furthermore, the Results underscore the potential of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing process to restore battery performance to levels consistent with the high end of manufacturer-reported specifications. The Battery Range Performance Trials were performed under no-load conditions; it is relevant to note that payload can have an effect on energy consumption and overall driving range. This consideration is consistent with widely recognized industry dynamics and is disclosed to provide a complete and transparent understanding of factors that may influence real-world vehicle performance. Range may vary based on payload, terrain, driving behavior, and other operational conditions. These performance outcomes further validate the effectiveness and market relevance of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' proprietary rebalancing solution in restoring degraded battery capacity and materially extending the remaining useful life of commercial electric vehicle batteries. The Company believes these results provide compelling technical validation in support of Prototype 2.0's broader commercial deployment, particularly in fleet environments where range reliability, battery lifespan longevity, and total cost of ownership are mission-critical considerations. Significance of Results & Market Opportunity for the Electric TruckThe Results of the Rebalancing Trial and the Battery Range Performance Trials collectively demonstrate that Prototype 2.0 is capable of effectively rebalancing lithium-ion battery packs exhibiting significant, naturally occurring cell imbalance. This successful outcome builds upon previously disclosed validation milestones achieved by Battery X Rebalancing Technologies, including third-party technical validation conducted by the National Research Council of Canada (as referenced below), as well as the Company's news release dated May 30, 2025, announcing the successful rebalancing of a naturally imbalanced Nissan Leaf battery pack-the second most common out-of-warranty electric vehicle platform in the United States. Importantly, the Results not only validate the technical efficacy of Prototype 2.0 in an Electric Truck application, but also demonstrate its potential to recover substantial lost battery capacity resulting from cell imbalance. This performance reinforces the relevance of the Company's patent-pending technology in practical, real-world scenarios and highlights the broader need for scalable, cost-effective battery recovery solutions. The Battery Range Performance Trials further substantiates the commercial viability of Prototype 2.0 as a solution to extend the remaining useful life of aging battery packs in commercial electric vehicle fleets. The Electric Truck and associated Electric Truck battery pack were supplied to Battery X Rebalancing Technologies at no cost for testing and evaluation by the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor, who advised that it owns and operates a fleet of approximately 20 Electric Trucks (the "Electric Truck Fleet"). According to the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor, multiple vehicles within the Electric Truck Fleet have exhibited material battery degradation and capacity loss attributable to cell imbalance. The Rebalancing Trial and the Battery Range Performance Trials were undertaken in response to the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor's request for a viable alternative to full battery replacement, which it advised may be financially prohibitive on a fleet-wide basis. The objective of the Rebalancing Trial and the Battery Range Performance Trials was to determine whether Prototype 2.0 could effectively restore functional battery performance in a degraded battery unit sourced from the Electric Truck Fleet. Upon successful rebalancing, the Battery Range Performance Trials further aimed to quantify the extent of recovered battery capacity in terms of estimated driving range. The positive Results are expected to inform and support ongoing discussions with the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor regarding the potential deployment of the rebalancing solution across its broader fleet, with the goal of extending battery life and mitigating the operational and financial impact of premature battery replacements. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies has been informed by the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor that a substantial number of similar electric trucks are currently in operation across various markets, including those held by the Electric Truck's parent company, authorized distributors, commercial fleet operators, and private owners. Many of these vehicles are reportedly experiencing battery degradation symptoms consistent with cell imbalance. This feedback underscores a broader market opportunity for Battery X Rebalancing Technologies to provide a scalable, cost-effective rebalancing solution aimed at extending battery life and reducing total cost of ownership for commercial EV stakeholders. In conjunction with the Rebalancing Trial and the Battery Range Performance Trials, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies is currently advancing the development of standardized operating procedures ("SOPs") tailored to the Electric Truck Battery Pack, in addition to refining user interface and workflow enhancements within Prototype 2.0. The Company is also actively pursuing a commercial manufacturing agreement to support scalable production and deployment of its rebalancing platform. These activities are intended to further the Company's broader commercialization strategy, which is not limited to any single third-party opportunity. The Electric Truck-specific SOPs, however, are being developed in direct response to the successful Battery Range Performance Trials and the interest expressed by the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor. There can be no assurance that Battery X Rebalancing Technologies will enter into any definitive commercial arrangement with the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor or any other third party at this time. While the Company remains encouraged by the Rebalancing Trial and the Battery Range Performance Trials, which demonstrate an apparent need in the marketplace, any future commercial arrangement will be subject to further technical validation, negotiation of mutually acceptable terms, and completion of all necessary operational readiness milestones. The Problem: Rising EV Adoption Presents New Battery Lifecycle ChallengesIn 2024, global EV sales reached approximately 17.1 million units, representing a 25% increase from 20231. With cumulative global EV sales from 2015 to 2023 totaling an estimated over 40 million units2, a significant share of the global EV fleet is expected to exit warranty coverage over the coming years. By 2031, nearly 40 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles worldwide are anticipated to fall outside of their original warranty coverage3,4. This projection is based on current EV adoption figures and standard industry warranty terms, and underscores a growing risk for EV owners facing battery degradation, reduced capacity, and costly replacement requirements5. As the global EV fleet continues to expand, the demand for technologies that extend battery life, reduce long-term ownership costs, and support a sustainable transition to electric mobility is increasing. The Solution: Pioneering Next-Generation Technologies to Support Lithium-Ion Battery LongevityBattery X Rebalancing Technologies' proprietary software and hardware technology aims to address this challenge by extending the lifespan of EV batteries. This innovation is being developed with the aim to enhance the sustainability of electric transportation and the goal to provide EV owners with a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly ownership experience by reducing the need for costly battery replacements. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology, validated by the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC"), focuses on battery cell rebalancing. The NRC validation demonstrated the technology's ability to effectively correct cell imbalances in lithium-ion battery packs, recovering nearly all lost capacity due to cell imbalance. The validation was conducted on battery modules composed of fifteen 72Ah LiFePO₄ cells connected in series. The cells were initially balanced to a uniform state of charge (SOC), with a measured discharge capacity of 71.10Ah. In the validation test, three of the fifteen cells were then artificially imbalanced-one cell was charged to a 20% higher SOC, and two cells were discharged to a 20% lower SOC-resulting in a reduced discharge capacity of 46.24Ah, following rebalancing using Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology. These advancements establish Battery X Rebalancing Technologies as a participant in lithium-ion and EV battery solutions, aiming to tackle the critical challenges of capacity degradation of battery packs and expensive replacements. By extending the lifecycle of battery materials within the supply chain, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies aims to support the energy transition and promote a more sustainable future. 1 Rho Motion - Global EV Sales 2024, 2 IEA Global EV Outlook 2024, 3 IEA, 4 U.S. News, 5 Recurrent Auto About Battery X Metals X Metals (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW, WKN:A40X9W) is an energy transition resource exploration and technology company committed to advancing domestic and critical battery metal resource exploration and developing next-generation proprietary technologies. Taking a diversified, 360° approach to the battery metals industry, the Company focuses on exploration, lifespan extension, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials. For more information, visit On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsMassimo Bellini Bressi, Director For further information, please contact:Massimo Bellini BressiChief Executive OfficerEmail: mbellini@ (604) 741-0444 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release relate to, among other things: the estimated driving range improvements for the Electric Truck under no-load and maximum payload conditions following the rebalancing procedure; the interpretation and implications of the Battery Range Performance Trials and the Rebalancing Trial; the technical capabilities and commercial potential of Prototype 2.0, including its ability to restore battery capacity and address cell imbalance in lithium-ion battery packs; the applicability of the technology to Class 3 electric trucks and other commercial electric vehicle platforms; the alignment between test results, manufacturer specifications, and industry standards; potential discussions and future commercial arrangements with the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor; the scale and condition of the Electric Truck Fleet; the development and implementation of standardized operating procedures (SOPs); user interface enhancements; the possibility of entering into a commercial manufacturing agreement; the broader market demand for cost-effective rebalancing solutions; the number of similar electric trucks currently in operation across various markets; the owners and holders of similar electric trucks; the battery degradation symptoms and potential state of cell imbalance of similar electric trucks; the potential market opportunity to be derived from similar electric trucks; and the Company's strategic objective to extend battery life and reduce total cost of ownership for commercial electric vehicle operators. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions as of the date of this news release and are based on a number of factors and assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including without limitation: assumptions regarding battery chemistry behavior; repeatability of rebalancing results across similar battery packs and vehicle platforms; the continued accuracy of data provided by third-party distributors; the Company's ability to develop, test, and manufacture Prototype 2.0 at scale; and the successful negotiation and execution of commercial agreements and manufacturing agreements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: technical challenges in product validation or scalability; variability in battery performance across different conditions and chemistries; inability to replicate test results in other environments; delays or failures in entering into commercial or manufacturing agreements; lack of customer adoption; supply chain limitations; regulatory, legal, or operational constraints; and risks generally associated with early-stage clean technology companies. There can be no assurance that the Company will enter into any commercial arrangement with the Electric Truck Authorized Distributor or any other third party, that Prototype 2.0 will achieve commercial adoption, or that Battery X Metals Inc. or Battery X Rebalancing Technologies Inc. will realize any revenue from the initiatives described herein. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Battery X Metals Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investors are encouraged to consult the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile at for additional risk factors and information. SOURCE: Battery X Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bezos-backed Slate EV pickup makes stop in Ferndale
The first question Lauren Gregory's 7-year-old son, James, had about the Slate pickup parked inside the MOTO gathering space in Ferndale Sunday, June 29, spoke volumes about what the electric truck is not. 'He said when he got in, 'Where's the TVs?'' Gregory said, standing beside the truck as intrigued guests filtered through the room. 'It's very simple on the inside.' The truck, the creation of a Jeff Bezos-backed electric vehicle startup with an office in Troy, is not a typical pickup. The version shown on Sunday was a prototype, so not ready for production, but the model potential customers hope to see next year won't include many of the accoutrements — infotainment systems being a notable absence — that modern-day car buyers have come to expect. Those additions, the folks at Slate noted, also help drive up the cost of new cars, a key gripe of many consumers and something that this vehicle is designed to address, with a price tag expected to be in the mid-$20,000s. Gregory, 41, of Beverly Hills, unlike some other folks who spoke to a Free Press reporter at the event, has not placed a $50 refundable reservation for the truck, but she indicated she's intrigued because it's billed as highly customizable. In fact, the vehicles would start as two-seater trucks but offer kits to transform them, with seating for five possible. The options include squareback or fastback SUV, open air or cargo. More: Michigan designer hopes 'Reboot Buggy' might be future Hot Wheels Gregory said her son 'loves the idea it's a Mr. Potato Head,' one of the best-known customizable children's toys. Some consumers, she noted, might find the hand-cranked windows to be 'non-negotiable,' but not Gregory. 'I feel like everything's done for us these days,' she said, noting that a hand-cranked window would be 'perfectly fine.' That was the assessment from a number of folks, remembering with some nostalgia the cars of past eras before electronics took over. One man sounded genuinely surprised that the crank actually worked on this model. Craig Woods, 65, of Allendale, near Grand Rapids, drove from western Michigan specifically to see and touch the two-seater truck. It reminded Woods of his old Ford Ranger, a smaller truck than the version on the roads today. 'I was always looking for a small pickup,' not 'beastly' like other available models, Woods said. 'Overall, the vehicle looks like it's going to be a good, solid, entry-level EV.' Woods, who put in his $50 reservation a couple of months ago, drives a Kia Soul with a trailer to handle his towing needs currently. If he's able to purchase a Slate, it would be his first EV, hitting a price point that makes going electric attractive. Woods said he wants to do his part for the environment, but even beyond that, he said he believes EVs represent the future direction of transportation. The rear-wheel-drive Slate will offer two battery options, of up to 150 miles or 240 miles of range. The vehicles will be built in Warsaw, Indiana, and Slate said it intends to sell directly to consumers. The truck is expected to have a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, with a cargo bed that's 35.1 cubic feet and 5 feet long. The frunk (where the engine would normally sit in non electric vehicles) is 7 cubic feet, according to the company. The vehicles will come in a basic gray, with color customization through wraps. The company said it will have wrap kits starting at about $500. The model on display on Sunday had a blue wrap with orangish-yellow striping along the lower sides with a couple of palm tree silhouettes. More: Chrysler CEO discusses future of brand as it approaches 100th birthday Derek Ochodnicky, 38, of Berkley would probably be OK with the stock color (he loves gray). Michigan winters had him wondering about the longevity of a wrap. He'd brought his daughter, 2-year-old Dani, along to see the Slate. She loves cars, he noted. Ochodnicky, who likes to 'mod cars,' indicated he'd be looking at the SUV option, as a two-seater 'probably won't cut it' with Dani and an expected future sibling. If the price is in the $20,000-$25,000 range, that would appeal to him. Ochodnicky wasn't sold, however, on the exposed bolts on the sides of the vehicle, a possible invitation he thought for a passerby with nefarious plans. He said he'd be 'interested to see what the fit and finish is when it reaches production.' A Slate agent on site, Kylee Flake, indicated that the bolts would remain visible. Ochodnicky did note the conundrum that some buyers may face. 'Part of me' wants the back-to-basics vehicle, but Ochodnicky said he also likes his creature comforts. Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@ Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at The Slate pickup's next appearance in the Detroit area is planned for Eastern Market − 6 a.m.-3 p.m., July 5, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., July 6 at 2934 Russell Street. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jeff Bezos-backed Slate EV shown at Ferndale event Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Battery X Metals Successfully Validates Next-Generation Battery Rebalancing Machine on Light-Duty Electric Vehicle Model that Exhibited Significant Real-World Cell-Imbalance-Related Capacity Degradation, Achieving 100% Imbalance Recovery and 38% of Rated Capacity Restored in Preliminary Trial
News Release Highlights: X Rebalancing Technologies successfully validates its next-generation battery rebalancing machine on a commercial electric truck battery that had experienced significant real-world imbalance, expanding functionality to include a Class 3 light-duty EV model. 2.0 achieved 100% recovery of imbalance-related capacity loss and a 37.7% increase of the rated capacity, underscoring the machine's effectiveness on a significantly imbalanced battery pack. trial conducted on a significantly imbalanced battery pack provided by an authorized Canadian distributor of the electric truck, highlighting market interest and broader demand for cost-effective solutions to restore electric vehicle battery capacity and avoid costly full-pack replacements. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 6, 2025 / Battery X Metals Inc. (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW, WKN:A40X9W)('Battery X Metals' or the 'Company') an energy transition resource exploration and technology company, announces that further to its news releases dated May 9, 2025, May 23, 2025, and May 30, 2025, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies Inc. ('Battery X Rebalancing Technologies'), has expanded the functionality of its next-generation lithium-ion battery rebalancing hardware and software platform to include a fully electric, Class 3 commercial electric vehicle, or light-duty electric vehicle (the 'Electric Truck'), and has achieved successful preliminary trial results (the 'Trial') on an 144-battery cell Electric Truck battery pack which had exhibited significant natural imbalance caused by real-world conditions, demonstrating 100% recovery of a naturally occurring imbalance-related capacity loss, and a 37.7% increase of the Rated Capacity (as defined herein) of the Electric Truck's battery pack, composed of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) materials (the 'Electric Truck Battery Pack'). The Trial results (the 'Results') were performed using Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' second-generation, patent-pending battery rebalancing machine ('Prototype 2.0") on the Electric Truck Battery Pack. The Electric Truck Battery Pack has been assessed to have a rated full capacity of 176 ampere-hours (Ah) (the 'Rated Capacity'), as specified on the nameplate affixed to the Electric Truck Battery Pack. Initially, the Electric Truck Battery Pack was fully charged using a J1772 (Type 1) AC charging port, delivering 40 amperes (A) of current. This Level 2 AC charging step, consistent with North American EV standards¹, was managed by the vehicle's onboard systems. Once the dashboard displayed a 100 percent state of charge and the charger application indicated the vehicle was no longer requesting current, Prototype 2.0 initiated its patent-pending battery rebalancing process. A rebalancing current between 0 and 3 amperes was then individually applied to each of the battery cells, charging them simultaneously to a target voltage of 4.20 volts (the 'Voltage Target'). The Voltage Target falls within the standard operating range for NMC lithium-ion cells (3.0V to 4.20V), with 4.20V commonly recognized as full capacity in the industry². The Results show that 66.3 Ah of capacity, previously lost due to battery-cell imbalance, was successfully restored on the Electric Truck Battery Pack. This represents approximately 37.7 percent of the Rated Capacity of the unbalanced Electric Truck Battery Pack. The restored capacity corresponds to the full theoretical rebalancing potential based on achieving the Voltage Target across all cells and reflects complete recovery of the significant imbalance identified. These results were validated using Prototype 2.0's integrated software feature, which measures ampere-hour capacity restored through rebalancing on a per-cell basis. The software also identified the maximum individual cell discrepancy to be 66.3 Ah, relative to the Rated Capacity. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies interprets these Results as confirmation of Prototype 2.0's ability to recover significant imbalance-induced battery-cell capacity loss through precise voltage alignment and active cell-level rebalancing. The expanded functionality development for the Electric Truck builds on a series of prior advancements by Battery X Rebalancing Technologies, as disclosed in the Company's news release dated May 9, 2025, which announced that Battery X Rebalancing Technologies had entered into a non-commercial, collaborative scope of services agreement (the 'Factor E Agreement') with Factor E Motors Ltd., a Vancouver-based automotive service centre specializing in out-of-warranty Tesla vehicles. The Factor E Agreement is intended to support the continued development of Prototype 2.0, with an initial focus on Tesla Model 3 and Model X battery packs currently held by Factor E Motors. This progress was further advanced, as disclosed the Company's news releases dated May 23, 2025, and May 30, 2025, which announced the expansion of Prototype 2.0's development to include Nissan Leaf battery packs and confirmed the successful rebalancing of a naturally imbalanced Nissan Leaf battery pack. This achievement marked a key milestone in validating Prototype 2.0's compatibility with the #2 most common out-of-warranty electric vehicle model in the United States. Together, these initiatives underscore Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' commitment to demonstrating the adaptability of its technology across multiple real-world electric vehicle platforms and highlight the increasing demand for practical, cost-effective battery reconditioning solutions. Results Significance of Results & Market Opportunity for the Electric Truck The Results of the Trial demonstrate that Prototype 2.0 is capable of effectively rebalancing lithium-ion battery packs exhibiting significant, naturally occurring battery cell imbalance. This successful outcome builds upon prior validation of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' patent-pending rebalancing technology, including independent validation by the National Research Council of Canada (as detailed below), and the Company's previously disclosed news release dated May 30, 2025 announcing successful rebalancing of naturally imbalanced Nissan Leaf battery pack, the #2 most common out-of-warranty electric vehicle model in the United States. Importantly, the Results not only confirm the technical functionality of Prototype 2.0 in a real-world electric vehicle platform, but also highlight its potential to restore substantial lost capacity-an outcome that supports the growing demand for practical, cost-effective battery recovery solutions. The Electric Truck Trial reinforces the relevance of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' patent-pending Prototype 2.0 in real-world environments and signals a broader opportunity to extend the useful lifespan of aging electric vehicle battery packs. The Electric Truck and Electric Truck Battery Pack were provided at no cost to Battery X Rebalancing Technologies for testing and validation by an authorized Canadian distributor of the Electric Truck (the 'Distributor'), who advised that it owns a fleet of approximately 20 Electric Trucks (the 'Electric TruckFleet'). Several vehicles within this fleet have reportedly experienced significant capacity degradation due to battery cell imbalance. The expanded functionality development and subsequent Trial were initiated in response to the Distributor's interest in identifying a viable alternative to full battery replacement, which it noted could be prohibitively expensive. The objective of the Trial was to assess whether Prototype 2.0 could successfully rebalance a battery pack from the Electric Truck Fleet. The positive Results are expected to inform ongoing discussions with the Distributor regarding the potential deployment of Prototype 2.0 across its broader fleet to restore and extend battery life while mitigating potentially costly battery replacements. Further, the Company has been advised by the Distributor that approximately 700 Electric Trucks are currently deployed across Canada, owned by a combination of the Electric Truck's parent company, authorized dealers, commercial fleet operators, and private fleet owners. According to the Distributor, many of these vehicles have encountered similar battery pack capacity degradation attributed to battery cell imbalance. This highlights a market opportunity for Battery X Rebalancing Technologies to provide a cost-effective rebalancing solution for electric vehicle owners seeking to avoid premature battery replacement. In parallel with these developments, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies is advancing the implementation of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for rebalancing the Electric Truck Battery Pack, along with user interface and workflow optimizations for Prototype 2.0. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies is also progressing efforts to formalize a commercial manufacturing agreement to support scalable production and deployment capabilities. These initiatives are part of a broader commercialization strategy and are not limited to any single third-party opportunity, with the exception of the Electric Truck-specific SOPs, which are being developed in direct response to the potential opportunity identified through the Trial. There can be no assurance that Battery X Rebalancing Technologies will establish commercial arrangements with any third party at this time. While the Company is encouraged by the progress to date and the evident market need, any future commercial arrangement remains subject to further validation, negotiation, and operational readiness. The Problem: Rising EV Adoption Presents New Battery Lifecycle Challenges In 2024, global EV sales reached approximately 17.1 million units, representing a 25% increase from 20233. With cumulative global EV sales from 2015 to 2023 totaling an estimated over 40 million units4, a significant share of the global EV fleet is expected to exit warranty coverage over the coming years. By 2031, nearly 40 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles worldwide are anticipated to fall outside of their original warranty coverage5,6. This projection is based on current EV adoption figures and standard industry warranty terms, and underscores a growing risk for EV owners facing battery degradation, reduced capacity, and costly replacement requirements7. As the global EV fleet continues to expand, the demand for technologies that extend battery life, reduce long-term ownership costs, and support a sustainable transition to electric mobility is increasing. The Solution: Pioneering Next-Generation Technologies to Support Lithium-Ion Battery Longevity Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' proprietary software and hardware technology aims to address this challenge by extending the lifespan of EV batteries. This innovation is being developed with the aim to enhance the sustainability of electric transportation and the goal to provide EV owners with a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly ownership experience by reducing the need for costly battery replacements. Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology, validated by the National Research Council of Canada ('NRC'), focuses on battery cell rebalancing. The NRC validation demonstrated the technology's ability to effectively correct cell imbalances in lithium-ion battery packs, recovering nearly all lost capacity due to cell imbalance. The validation was conducted on battery modules composed of fifteen 72Ah LiFePO₄ cells connected in series. The cells were initially balanced to a uniform state of charge (SOC), with a measured discharge capacity of 71.10Ah. In the validation test, three of the fifteen cells were then artificially imbalanced-one cell was charged to a 20% higher SOC, and two cells were discharged to a 20% lower SOC-resulting in a reduced discharge capacity of 46.24Ah, following rebalancing using Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology. These advancements establish Battery X Rebalancing Technologies as a participant in lithium-ion and EV battery solutions, aiming to tackle the critical challenges of capacity degradation of battery packs and expensive replacements. By extending the lifecycle of battery materials within the supply chain, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies aims to support the energy transition and promote a more sustainable future. 1 EVESC, 2 Battery University,3 Rho Motion - Global EV Sales 2024, 4 IEA Global EV Outlook 2024, 5 IEA, 6 U.S. News, 7 Recurrent Auto About Battery X Metals Inc. Battery X Metals (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW, WKN:A40X9W) is an energy transition resource exploration and technology company committed to advancing domestic and critical battery metal resource exploration and developing next-generation proprietary technologies. Taking a diversified, 360° approach to the battery metals industry, the Company focuses on exploration, lifespan extension, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials. For more information, visit On Behalf of the Board of Directors Massimo Bellini Bressi, Director For further information, please contact: Massimo Bellini Bressi Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] Tel: (604) 741-0444 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release relate to, among other things: the continued development, testing, and optimization of Prototype 2.0; the expansion of its functionality to include additional electric vehicle platforms, including Class 3 light-duty commercial electric trucks; the Company's interpretation of preliminary trial results, including 100% imbalance-related capacity loss recovery and 37.7% increase of the Rated Capacity; the effectiveness of Prototype 2.0 in restoring lost capacity caused by battery cell imbalance; the relevance of the Trial in real-world operating conditions; the possibility of future commercial discussions with the Canadian distributor of the Electric Truck; the potential deployment of Prototype 2.0 across the distributor's Electric Truck Fleet; the estimated number of Electric Trucks deployed across Canada; the broader demand for rebalancing technologies to extend the useful life of electric vehicle battery packs; the scalability of Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' platform to meet market demand; the implementation of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for Electric Truck rebalancing; user interface and workflow optimizations; and the progress toward formalizing a commercial manufacturing agreement to support scalable production and deployment capacity. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to complete further testing and validation of Prototype 2.0; variability in performance across different battery chemistries or EV platforms; the timing, structure, and outcome of any potential commercial discussions or agreements with distributors or other fleet operators; customer and market adoption; the ability to scale production through third-party manufacturing; successful implementation of SOPs and software enhancements; regulatory developments; operational and logistical challenges; and the ability to execute commercial contracts and generate revenue. There can be no assurance that Prototype 2.0 will achieve full commercialization, that any commercial agreements will be entered into, or that Battery X Metals Inc. or Battery X Rebalancing Technologies will generate revenue from the initiatives described herein. The realization of any commercial opportunity remains subject to further validation, negotiation, third-party readiness, and successful execution of definitive agreements. Battery X Metals Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law. Investors are encouraged to consult the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile at for additional risk factors and information. SOURCE: Battery X Metals press release
