Slate EV truck starts at $24,950
A new entrant in the EV market, Slate, is pitching a compact, modular electric pickup starting around $25,000, aiming to revive 1990s-style “human-scale” trucks with minimal tech, physical controls, and strong privacy promises (including no telemetry). Commenters weigh that appeal against trade‑offs such as a modest ~200‑mile LFP battery range, rear‑wheel drive only, limited towing capacity, and a price that quickly rises toward $35,000 with options—close to well-equipped hybrids and used EVs from established brands. Many see a real niche for a small, configurable work truck if the company can execute, but question long‑term viability, build quality, charging practicality, and the impact of Bezos‑linked backing and U.S. protectionist policies on price and competition.
Pricing & Market Positioning
- Base price of ~$25k seen as aggressive for a US-made EV truck, but “pretty inexpensive” is contested; several argue $35k (with common options) is not affordable for much of the population.
- Compared more to Ford Maverick / compact trucks and used EVs than to Rivian or Tesla; many note you wouldn’t realistically cross‑shop those segments.
- Some think value eroded after loss of federal EV incentives; a hybrid Maverick at a similar price is seen as strong competition.
Size, Utility & Towing
- Praised for being “human-scale” and reminiscent of 1990s compact pickups (Ranger/B-series), addressing frustration with oversized modern trucks.
- Bed is short and towing capacity (~2,000 lb) is called inadequate for “real truck” work but fine for light homeowner/DIY use.
- Some tradespeople could see it as a city van / Maverick / Transit Connect alternative, but range and payload are concerns for high-mileage service work.
Range, Battery & Charging
- Stated ~200–205 mile range is widely viewed as “low but usable” for daily use, marginal for US-style road trips or long service routes.
- Uses LFP cells; several note you can comfortably use more of the pack (e.g., 10–100%), partly offsetting the lower nominal range.
- 20–80% in ~30 minutes over 400 V seen as adequate but not class‑leading; some argue fast‑charge speed matters more than raw range after ~200 miles.
Modularity, Customization & Design
- Strong interest in modular bodies (truck ↔ SUV/fastback/hatch‑like), DIY upgrades, and future reconfiguration, especially for first-time or budget buyers.
- Others warn modularity can introduce leaks, rattles, and fit issues; pre‑production panel gaps already noticed.
- Wrap-based color system and composite panels intrigue enthusiasts but DIY wrapping effort (12–16 hours, two people) is seen as unrealistic for most.
Safety, Drivetrain & Winter Use
- Size/height praised relative to modern SUVs, but blunt, tall hood criticized for pedestrian safety.
- Lack of AWD/4WD is a dealbreaker for mountain/winter buyers; RWD-only splits opinions even with expected rear weight from the pack.
- Very little concrete crash-test information; several potential buyers call this their main hesitation.
Low-Tech Interior & Privacy
- Absence of a central touchscreen, physical controls, crank windows, and claimed “no telemetry” attract people who dislike modern “rolling spyware.”
- Some want an optional factory screen/CarPlay; others are excited to add their own Raspberry Pi–based systems.
Economics, Industry & Viability
- Thread debates EV economics: cheaper fuel and lower maintenance vs. higher purchase price and insurance, plus infrastructure gaps.
- Broader concerns raised about US manufacturing competitiveness, tariffs, and whether this price is sustainable.
- Many are cautiously enthusiastic but worry about vaporware risk, long lead times (deliveries quoted into 2027), and whether the company will survive.