In an interview of the drummer of the band Chad Smith in Clash magazine, he said that the Peppers have begun to write songs for their new album, with a possible release date in October 2010 and this is a process that takes its time.
When asked if the collaboration of Flea with Thom Yorke will effect the new material, he said that the Peppers bassist gave him a CD with electronic beats for inspiration, but for now there is no electronic direction their writing, although you can never be sure of this since now they have songs with piano.
The last album of Red Hot Chili Peppers was 'Stadium Arcadium', released in 2006.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - By The Way