Slate - A New, Customizable Electric Vehicle for $20,000

[provin1327]

Seems like the ultimate "MMM badassery" vehicle. An electric vehicle with the ability to be run as a truck or as a small SUV, without any bells and whistles, but everything is a retro fit option. Seems pretty genius from a manufacturing and overhead standpoint. One set of parts to house, one vehicle configuration to build, direct to customer. I've been waiting to get into the electric vehicle game and I think this is it.

https://www.slate.auto/en

[Tyson]

If they can keep the price down to $25k they are going to sell a shit ton of them.  That would be awesome.

[Weisass]

Man, I wish it could fit more than 5 people.

[neo von retorch]

If it were sold today, it might be $20k after a U.S. Federal tax rebate. Unfortunately, the price has not yet been announced, and the EV rebate could easily be gone by the time they begin to sell. Currently that is "late 2026" at the earliest.

So really it's a ~$27,500 USD electric vehicle before customization.

Not to say it isn't a great option if it arrives as promised. I would take it as-is, no customization, commute to work, and use it for light hauling on the weekends. Perfect. I'd want to put a USB + bluetooth speaker in it, and be able to use my phone for navigation + music. (I'd even be tempted to buy a larger GPS-enabled tablet for a nicer navigation experience, though really I should just use voice prompts.)

[Canadian Helmet]

I am going to be keeping my eye on these.  They could be great vehicles for a service call. My only concern at the moment is size.  I will have to see one in person.

[Brystheguy]

Hand crank windows and no infotainment screen? Sign me up!
(I actually did put a deposit down…)

[classicrando]

That seems really cool.  Thanks for sharing!

[sonofsven]

I put my money where my mouth is and put a $50 "deposit" on one, even though I seriously doubt they will be built. And I don't know if it would be capable enough to replace my current Nissan Frontier in the "doing truck things" realm.
The SUV version is really channeling the 80's: Pathfinder, Four Runner, etc. Fold the front seats forward to access the back seats. Will buyers really go for that today? Maybe, if the price is right.

[neo von retorch]

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/telo-ev-mini-pickup-truck-first-ride-review

So this was announced back in 2023 and possibly targeting a price of $50k. Starting at 260 mile range with the 2WD model. Definitely not the Mustachian Slate ;)

[GuitarStv]

Sucks that it's a truck.

[FIGardengrl]

Also too bad it's rear wheel drive only.  Need AWD around here...

[neo von retorch]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

[dcheesi]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

If it was a hatchback car or minivan/SUV, it would carry more people, while still maintaining a decent amount of cargo space & utility.

Like the stripped-down basic pickups of yore, this only only has one row of seating. So that's two people max, unless they've found a way for bench seating to make a comeback(?). Even with the hard-top rear cover upgrade, you've still only got two doors, and it's not clear to me if rear seats are available?

One of the reasons for the ginormous pickup trucks on roads today is that people are unwilling to compromise on at least four seats, while also maintaining the (often unused) potential to haul stuff in the back. Folks who'd have no problem with hand-crank windows (or would buy the upgrade package) are likely to turn their nose up at this because it's not a practical family vehicle.

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

[neo von retorch]

If it was a hatchback car or minivan/SUV, it would carry more people, while still maintaining a decent amount of cargo space & utility.

Like the stripped-down basic pickups of yore, this only only has one row of seating. So that's two people max, unless they've found a way for bench seating to make a comeback(?). Even with the hard-top rear cover upgrade, you've still only got two doors, and it's not clear to me if rear seats are available?

One of the reasons for the ginormous pickup trucks on roads today is that people are unwilling to compromise on at least four seats, while also maintaining the (often unused) potential to haul stuff in the back. Folks who'd have no problem with hand-crank windows (or would buy the upgrade package) are likely to turn their nose up at this because it's not a practical family vehicle.

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

It's not obvious at first glance, but they do offer a 3-seat back row as an option with the various Jeep / SUV configurations. So seating up to 5 (though it would be very tight for adults.) I saw a photo of the rear bench seat the other day, but cannot find it now.

You can haul plywood - https://images.ctfassets.net/20dhmw20vttc/5RQkDqyteSj4sBk8W2okaU/5a604a7f5900bb0bf360aca712e8ed76/homepage-carousel-just-right-height.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=75

It's larger than a Kia Soul, so you can basically load it up like a "small" hatchback, like the Golf. Not sure how this is more limiting than a hatchback. Obviously some prefer 4 doors over 2.

And no argument it has mainstream appeal. But if it's as customizable as they show on their web site, it can be a hatchback and/or seat 4 people. It's a good start, and if something like this could get some traction, then more car-like options could follow.

[Paper Chaser]

The dimensions give it a smaller footprint than the current Corolla:


The doors and of the rear roof options can also be removed easily so there may be some crossover appeal for people that like Wranglers and Broncos.


Out of Spec did a reasonably thorough once over of the truck. The company converted the truck during the intro from a 2 seat pickup to a 5 seat SUV with different exterior color and interior package in an hour. The second row easily fits a 5'10" man in the video, and still has a few feet behind the rear seats for stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=out-F6n91qs

[Rural]

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

Unfortunately, not for very many businesses that actually need trucks without 4wd availability. I guess plumbers and electricians if they're willing to limit themselves to never working on new construction.

[sonofsven]

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

Unfortunately, not for very many businesses that actually need trucks without 4wd availability. I guess plumbers and electricians if they're willing to limit themselves to never working on new construction.

I'd say it's the opposite in my experience: most trades around me don't need 4wd, but they almost all want it in their personal vehicles.
Most trades work out of vans, like a Pro master, or the Ford equivalent. Maybe a Sprinter, if they're near a dealer.
I think a little electric van for service work would be ideal, but it's not "sexy".

[GuitarStv]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

- Have rear doors that open to let kids/dogs into the vehicle - as my parents become more elderly and the likelihood of me needing to occasionally drive them around this becomes more important.
- Be more aerodynamic (longer range for free on a charge).
- Have rear windows that can be opened and shut.
- Typically trucks are higher up, more likely to roll in case of an accident, and more difficult to park.
- I've generally found RWD to be inferior to FWD for use as a daily driver/commuter, particularly in slippery winter conditions (although this may just be what I'm used to).


Don't get me wrong.  It's cool that all the electronic junk you don't need has been stripped out of this.  And it makes sense that they would make it a truck.  A huge number of people have been brainwashed into the 'need' for a truck so won't consider anything else.  Personally, I'd just like similar in a relatively compact car.

[JLee]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

- Have rear doors that open to let kids/dogs into the vehicle - as my parents become more elderly and the likelihood of me needing to occasionally drive them around this becomes more important.
- Be more aerodynamic (longer range for free on a charge).
- Have rear windows that can be opened and shut.
- Typically trucks are higher up, more likely to roll in case of an accident, and more difficult to park.
- I've generally found RWD to be inferior to FWD for use as a daily driver/commuter, particularly in slippery winter conditions (although this may just be what I'm used to).


Don't get me wrong.  It's cool that all the electronic junk you don't need has been stripped out of this.  And it makes sense that they would make it a truck.  A huge number of people have been brainwashed into the 'need' for a truck so won't consider anything else.  Personally, I'd just like similar in a relatively compact car.

Very few of those complaints have to do with it being a truck.

[Paper Chaser]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

- Have rear doors that open to let kids/dogs into the vehicle - as my parents become more elderly and the likelihood of me needing to occasionally drive them around this becomes more important.
- Be more aerodynamic (longer range for free on a charge).
- Have rear windows that can be opened and shut.
- Typically trucks are higher up, more likely to roll in case of an accident, and more difficult to park.
- I've generally found RWD to be inferior to FWD for use as a daily driver/commuter, particularly in slippery winter conditions (although this may just be what I'm used to).


Don't get me wrong.  It's cool that all the electronic junk you don't need has been stripped out of this.  And it makes sense that they would make it a truck.  A huge number of people have been brainwashed into the 'need' for a truck so won't consider anything else.  Personally, I'd just like similar in a relatively compact car.

- 4 doors would be more convenient for sure. It would also increase the price.
- We don't know how aerodynamic it is. Based on their claimed range/battery capacity figures, they're getting around 2.85 miles/kwh. But that could be due to things other than poor aerodynamics. It's also possible that the optional SUV bed cap, or the hatchback will improve aero enough to see a difference in range.
- The rear windows won't have any tracks to be opened/shut because it starts as a truck bed. But I'd be shocked if you can't use the rear tops without the glass based on the design, price point, and goals of the company. Looks like they come separately from the body panels for those sections, so leaving them out seems pretty straight forward.
-The truck is smaller than a current Corolla. It's not going to be hard to park like the goliath full size trucks are. Tons of battery weight under the floor will keep the center of gravity very low to resist roll overs, and there is also an optional lowering kit from the factory to bring that down even further (and make it easier to load/unload, or for easier entry/egress by kids, dogs or elderly parents).
- I don't think that anecdotes about RWD ICE's are applicable to this vehicle. Historically, RWD powertrain layouts have struggled in slippery conditions because there was little weight over the drive tires. FWD had the engine and transmission right over the drive wheels, which aided traction. But in an EV where the battery is the floor of the vehicle, there really isn't the same weight balance issue. The battery weight sits centrally between the wheels, so the vehicles tend to be well balanced, and the drive motor is on the rear axle centerline here. Plus weight transfers rearward during acceleration anyway. Many EVs are RWD by default for these reasons. Plus, it means all of that space in the front can be used for a frunk instead of a propulsion unit.

[Fru-Gal]

My teenager is talking about this truck and showed it to me!

[GuitarStv]

Sucks that it's a truck.

What are the things it can't do that you wish it could do, if it was not a truck?

- Have rear doors that open to let kids/dogs into the vehicle - as my parents become more elderly and the likelihood of me needing to occasionally drive them around this becomes more important.
- Be more aerodynamic (longer range for free on a charge).
- Have rear windows that can be opened and shut.
- Typically trucks are higher up, more likely to roll in case of an accident, and more difficult to park.
- I've generally found RWD to be inferior to FWD for use as a daily driver/commuter, particularly in slippery winter conditions (although this may just be what I'm used to).


Don't get me wrong.  It's cool that all the electronic junk you don't need has been stripped out of this.  And it makes sense that they would make it a truck.  A huge number of people have been brainwashed into the 'need' for a truck so won't consider anything else.  Personally, I'd just like similar in a relatively compact car.

- 4 doors would be more convenient for sure. It would also increase the price.
- We don't know how aerodynamic it is. Based on their claimed range/battery capacity figures, they're getting around 2.85 miles/kwh. But that could be due to things other than poor aerodynamics. It's also possible that the optional SUV bed cap, or the hatchback will improve aero enough to see a difference in range.
- The rear windows won't have any tracks to be opened/shut because it starts as a truck bed. But I'd be shocked if you can't use the rear tops without the glass based on the design, price point, and goals of the company. Looks like they come separately from the body panels for those sections, so leaving them out seems pretty straight forward.
-The truck is smaller than a current Corolla. It's not going to be hard to park like the goliath full size trucks are. Tons of battery weight under the floor will keep the center of gravity very low to resist roll overs, and there is also an optional lowering kit from the factory to bring that down even further (and make it easier to load/unload, or for easier entry/egress by kids, dogs or elderly parents).
- I don't think that anecdotes about RWD ICE's are applicable to this vehicle. Historically, RWD powertrain layouts have struggled in slippery conditions because there was little weight over the drive tires. FWD had the engine and transmission right over the drive wheels, which aided traction. But in an EV where the battery is the floor of the vehicle, there really isn't the same weight balance issue. The battery weight sits centrally between the wheels, so the vehicles tend to be well balanced, and the drive motor is on the rear axle centerline here. Plus weight transfers rearward during acceleration anyway. Many EVs are RWD by default for these reasons. Plus, it means all of that space in the front can be used for a frunk instead of a propulsion unit.

Just eyeballing things which isn't a great way to judge aerodynamics, it looks pretty shit.  There are sharp edges everywhere and blocky cut-offs that are likely going to increase drag.  I'm not sure that adding the bed cover will even help here given that you still get that sharp cutoff at the rear of the vehicle with it in.  I suspect that this is probably to conform to truck buyer's expectations of shape - it's already an EV, no need to scare off buyers with something that looks weird.

Saying that you can take the truck bed cover off and replace it with one that does or doesn't have windows doesn't really seem to be a solution remotely equivalent to rolling windows up and down when it's too hot in the vehicle.  And while it's good that there's an option to lower the truck to a more sensible level, it sucks that this is something you've got to pay extra for.

The Slate truck is 174.6 inches long, 70.6 inches wide, 69.3 inches tall (https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/04/how-big-is-the-slate-truck/).  Comparing to my '05 Corolla (178.3 inches length, 66.9 inches wide, 57.5 inches high ), that does seem like pretty manageable size and way better than most large modern trucks.

I was wondering if the RWD/FWD difference might be overcome by batter weight distribution.  Actually, I'm not even sure that the difference really holds true any more with traction control - I haven't driven an RWD vehicle in the snow for more than twenty years.

Again - not trying to shit on this concept of a vehicle.  It does a ton of stuff that looks great.  I just don't prefer a truck to a car.

[roomtempmayo]

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

Unfortunately, not for very many businesses that actually need trucks without 4wd availability. I guess plumbers and electricians if they're willing to limit themselves to never working on new construction.

I'd say it's the opposite in my experience: most trades around me don't need 4wd, but they almost all want it in their personal vehicles.
Most trades work out of vans, like a Pro master, or the Ford equivalent. Maybe a Sprinter, if they're near a dealer.
I think a little electric van for service work would be ideal, but it's not "sexy".

Isn't the entire pickup truck market driven by the ability to have an over the top luxury item for personal use that you can write off as a business expense even if you never put anything in the bed?

[sonofsven]

Only for the bosses, not the workers.

[roomtempmayo]

Only for the bosses, not the workers.

Ah, good point. 

A few design/build and remodeling contracting owners live in our neighborhood, and their driveways have introduced me to accessory packages I've never seen before.  Who knew that Toyota, a Japanese company, had a 1794 edition?! Google tells me the basic 4wd model starts at a cool $67k, but quickly pushes 100k if you kit it out.

At least it's probably less than the new stretch Land Rover Defender that the owner of the remodeling firm up the street is driving.  Certainly more reliable.

Good thing the IRS has been gutted so nobody will go snooping around about how the primary purpose of these business expenses seems to be pulling boats.

[Telecaster]

Isn't the entire pickup truck market driven by the ability to have an over the top luxury item for personal use that you can write off as a business expense even if you never put anything in the bed?

I think you might be underestimating the market for utility vehicles.  Sure, an F-150 is a huge profit driver, but lots of people need or want a practical work vehicle.  The small utility pickup does not currently exist in the US market. 

[AuspiciousEight]

I think I will wait until this is actually made, someone else buys it, then drives it around for 10 years and pays for the depreciation, this way I can see things like battery degradation charts and maintenance cost before deciding if I want to buy it or not.

[classicrando]

Isn't the entire pickup truck market driven by the ability to have an over the top luxury item for personal use that you can write off as a business expense even if you never put anything in the bed?

I think you might be underestimating the market for utility vehicles.  Sure, an F-150 is a huge profit driver, but lots of people need or want a practical work vehicle.  The small utility pickup does not currently exist in the US market.

Exactly.  I have needed the bed of my truck far more often than I have needed the extra seats behind me, as I have learned after getting the truck I have now.  Also, there are some things that I would prefer to avoid hauling in an enclosed hatchback space if possible (empty chemical drums, used hydraulic fluid, lead sheets, etc.)  Being able to swap out the configurations for the few times I needed extra space for people would be ideal.

[Rural]

EDIT: I can see this taking off in the "cheap company work truck" niche, where small trucks with few features were always the norm. The relatively short range shouldn't matter if it's only going from the contractor's office to a nearby work site. But it's unlikely to take off in a broader commerical way, IMHO

Unfortunately, not for very many businesses that actually need trucks without 4wd availability. I guess plumbers and electricians if they're willing to limit themselves to never working on new construction.

I'd say it's the opposite in my experience: most trades around me don't need 4wd, but they almost all want it in their personal vehicles.
Most trades work out of vans, like a Pro master, or the Ford equivalent. Maybe a Sprinter, if they're near a dealer.
I think a little electric van for service work would be ideal, but it's not "sexy".

Hmm, okay. Guess it depends on the trade, and maybe the region.

[dcheesi]

Isn't the entire pickup truck market driven by the ability to have an over the top luxury item for personal use that you can write off as a business expense even if you never put anything in the bed?

I think you might be underestimating the market for utility vehicles.  Sure, an F-150 is a huge profit driver, but lots of people need or want a practical work vehicle.  The small utility pickup does not currently exist in the US market.

Yeah, there used to be a decisive split between two very different types of pickup on the market (with very little in between):

• The mega quad-cab million-hp cruiser w/ every bell & whistle, including heated steering wheels(?!)
• The 2-door, stripped-down work pickup, with no A/C and (yes) hand-crank windows

Nowadays, in the US market it seems like there's only the former, at least for what's sold to the general public.

[Samuel]

Just eyeballing things which isn't a great way to judge aerodynamics, it looks pretty shit.  There are sharp edges everywhere and blocky cut-offs that are likely going to increase drag.  I'm not sure that adding the bed cover will even help here given that you still get that sharp cutoff at the rear of the vehicle with it in.  I suspect that this is probably to conform to truck buyer's expectations of shape - it's already an EV, no need to scare off buyers with something that looks weird.

A little truck with a 150 mile range isn't really a road trip vehicle it's more of an around town errand runner. Given that aerodynamic concerns don't really become very significant until you're going 50 mph or so I could see why aerodynamics wasn't a design priority. These things will likely spend the bulk of their time at speeds below that threshold. It's also designed to be wrapped rather than painted to change up the appearance so I'm guessing the boxy paneling makes that a lot simpler and easier to do (hopefully DIY easy).

I'm not currently in the market for something like this but I really like that this is a part of the market being explored.

[Fru-Gal]

Yes, I’m not planning on ever buying a car again much less a full-size EV, but LOVE micro mobility and e-bikes. Much better use of battery power than oversized vehicles.

[jinga nation]

I put my money where my mouth is and put a $50 "deposit" on one, even though I seriously doubt they will be built. And I don't know if it would be capable enough to replace my current Nissan Frontier in the "doing truck things" realm.
The SUV version is really channeling the 80's: Pathfinder, Four Runner, etc. Fold the front seats forward to access the back seats. Will buyers really go for that today? Maybe, if the price is right.

same. fiddy.

errands truck, truck to haul home projects materials, and also truck as a project. small and simple. i'm all for this.
and then use the truck as an excuse to buy 3D printer to make truck accessories. Hmmmm