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Slate Truck Preorders Open - Getting One?

knewman

knewman

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Slate opened pre-orders this morning for their bare-bones light truck EV with a base price of $24,950. I shelled out $50 for a reservation back when they first announced, my delivery date is estimated between April-June of 2027.

1782331486730.webp


Anyone here planning to get one?
 
It honestly seems like a cool concept but I don't really have much use for a truck. Its utility is about the same as an SUV for me, so I'd rather just have an SUV, which can do everything I need on the utility front and more.
 
The_Don said:
It honestly seems like a cool concept but I don't really have much use for a truck. Its utility is about the same as an SUV for me, so I'd rather just have an SUV, which can do everything I need on the utility front and more.
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you could use the 25k as a downpayment on a Gravity.
 
knewman said:
Slate opened pre-orders this morning for their bare-bones light truck EV with a base price of $24,950. I shelled out $50 for a reservation back when they first announced, my delivery date is estimated between April-June of 2027.

View attachment 39549

Anyone here planning to get one?
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Bad handling, rough ride, rattles, no thanks…

You get what you pay for…..
 
I suppose the appeal of a light pickup can be lost on some. Sales figures on Ford's Maverick shows what the market thinks.

Aside from that aspect, how about a vehicle with no touch screens (read: software bugs), no mechanisms to fail, body panels that are intended to be scraped/bashed and replaced, and modular customization? It's the best aspects of an EV - reliability, simplicity and low cost without all the luxury fluff and "big brother" connectivity forced upon us by every other manufacturer.
 
socktucker said:
25k is used Model 3 territory, why would you buy this thing?
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I have a standard cab Ford Ranger (2009). I have considered purchasing the Slate to replace it.
As for a Model 3, I've used my truck to pick up several 12 foot long 2x12s or 6 sheets of plywood or transport 35 feet of scaffolding. All tasks a model 3 would have problems with.
I ended up rejecting the Slate. The bed at 5 foot is too short, range is also too short and after 17 years with the Ranger I want a higher tow capacity.
The Rivian, Silverado and Lightning are all too large with limited bed length. I do not need seating for five in my truck.
 
knewman said:
I suppose the appeal of a light pickup can be lost on some. Sales figures on Ford's Maverick shows what the market thinks.

Aside from that aspect, how about a vehicle with no touch screens (read: software bugs), no mechanisms to fail, body panels that are intended to be scraped/bashed and replaced, and modular customization? It's the best aspects of an EV - reliability, simplicity and low cost without all the luxury fluff and "big brother" connectivity forced upon us by every other manufacturer.
Click to expand...
I think the concept it intriguing and the price to low enough to just have one around as a second ride.

There are many times throughout the year where it would have been pretty handy.

I don't have the space to support owning one, but if I every have the chance I certainly would test drive it around the block.
 
Pragmatic said:
I have a standard cab Ford Ranger (2009). I have considered purchasing the Slate to replace it.
As for a Model 3, I've used my truck to pick up several 12 foot long 2x12s or 6 sheets of plywood or transport 35 feet of scaffolding. All tasks a model 3 would have problems with.
I ended up rejecting the Slate. The bed at 5 foot is too short, range is also too short and after 17 years with the Ranger I want a higher tow capacity.
The Rivian, Silverado and Lightning are all too large with limited bed length. I do not need seating for five in my truck.
Click to expand...
Actually replacing my '07 Ranger with this in spirit, the Ranger was put out to pasture a few years ago.
 
socktucker said:
25k is used Model 3 territory, why would you buy this thing?
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Having finally been in a Model 3 for the first time recently, I'd rather pay $50k for a barebones Slate than $25k for Model 3.
 
Ugly, slow, low range, no power, zero amenities, limited charging speed, low tow rating, no track record - just rent a truck on the 3 days a year that the average person needs one.
 
The_Don said:
It honestly seems like a cool concept but I don't really have much use for a truck. Its utility is about the same as an SUV for me, so I'd rather just have an SUV, which can do everything I need on the utility front and more.
Click to expand...
They will sell you the parts to turn it into an SUV.
:)
 
Pragmatic said:
I have a standard cab Ford Ranger (2009). I have considered purchasing the Slate to replace it.
As for a Model 3, I've used my truck to pick up several 12 foot long 2x12s or 6 sheets of plywood or transport 35 feet of scaffolding. All tasks a model 3 would have problems with.
I ended up rejecting the Slate. The bed at 5 foot is too short, range is also too short and after 17 years with the Ranger I want a higher tow capacity.
The Rivian, Silverado and Lightning are all too large with limited bed length. I do not need seating for five in my truck.
Click to expand...
Yeah a Hybrid Maverick is still way more capable than the Slate without too much cost premium...
 
Maverick does not do enough more than my 09 Ranger. I have a longer bed, similar load capacity, slightly less towing. Fuel economy on Maverick is higher but not enough to replace what I'm running. I get 26 in town and 30 on the highway. Maverick's should be mid to high 30s.
 
I really really like it and love the concept. But I will absolutely not preorder for 2 reasons:

1. the $300 fee is nonrefundable
2. its a brand new platform from a brand new company with brand new everything -> meaning there are gonna be a lot of teething just like any new car model

That said once my lease is up and if i dont keep my Air I will definitely have a slate truck at the top of my list. I have 4runner for cross country stuff so a small EV is perfect for my commute and around town.
 
knewman said:
I suppose the appeal of a light pickup can be lost on some. Sales figures on Ford's Maverick shows what the market thinks.

Aside from that aspect, how about a vehicle with no touch screens (read: software bugs), no mechanisms to fail, body panels that are intended to be scraped/bashed and replaced, and modular customization? It's the best aspects of an EV - reliability, simplicity and low cost without all the luxury fluff and "big brother" connectivity forced upon us by every other manufacturer.
Click to expand...
I totally get why the bare-bones nature of this platform is appealing today, but I don't think it's going to age well. This feels to me like when BlackBerry kept pushing their physical keyboards after most had transitioned to touch screens.

That said, I really like the repairability aspect and hope others incorporate that into their lineup.
 
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