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Slate Truck: A New Electric Vehicle Startup Enters the Scene
A novel American automaker is making its debut, setting its sights on an underserved niche in the electric vehicle market. EV startup Slate has emerged with the new Slate Truck, aiming for an exceptionally affordable starting price of $25,000 after incentives. To achieve this, Slate has distilled the design to the fundamental necessities for reliable electric mobility, including manual windows, and offering extensive customizability. This adaptability allows the pickup to be transformed into an SUV with a flat-pack accessory kit.
Slate, an EV startup based in Michigan, has been quietly developing its concept for several years, securing funding from notable investors. This low-cost strategy represents a unique approach, particularly given the existing economic climate shaped by inflation and rising commodities costs.
Affordable EV: Slate Truck Could Be the Cheapest EV Next Year
Compact Design of the Slate Truck
The Slate Truck boasts a notably compact footprint, measuring 174.6 inches in length with a 108.9-inch wheelbase. This makes it substantially shorter than other compact pickups. While those trucks offer four-door crew cab configurations with rear seating, the Slate Truck, in its base form, is a single-cab two-seater.
Despite its smaller size, the Slate Truck comes with a 5-foot bed, longer than both existing compact pickup alternatives. It also incorporates a 7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk) for additional storage. With a payload capacity of up to 1,433 pounds, the Slate Truck is comparable to other compact pickups, and it should be suitable for light-duty hauling. However, its towing capacity of 1,000 pounds is considerably less than its competitors with combustion engines.
Customizable and Minimalist Approach
Slate intends to maintain the Truck’s affordability partly by minimizing the inclusion of added features. The vehicle seems offered only in a basic gray finish, encouraging owners to personalize their Slate Truck with custom wraps. The base model includes 17-inch steel wheels and external hardware on the body panels.
Inside, the Slate Truck features a basic digital instrument panel and a universal phone mount with USB power, forgoing the large touchscreens found in most modern vehicles. This design choice acknowledges that many drivers already use smartphones for navigation, communications, and media, optimizing cost. Although, customers can install a larger tablet if desired.
While maintaining a minimalist ethos, the Slate Truck includes crucial driver assistance and safety technologies, such as automated emergency braking and forward collision alert. However, the inclusion of manual windows highlights Slate’s dedication to reducing costs and providing basic EV transport. The company plans to offer a wide range of accessories, bundles, and options enabling customers to customize their Slate Truck.
Transforming to an DIY SUV
One standout accessory is the SUV kit that transforms the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV. The kit arrives flat-packed, similar to furniture from Ikea, and can be installed at a Slate service center, by a mechanic, or as a personal project. It incorporates a rear occupant roll cage, airbags, and rear seating.
The speed and ease of this conversion could be a decisive factor. The versatility to switch between a truck configuration for utility purposes and an SUV for family transportation is an attractive feature.
Performance Specs
This compact pickup features a modest electric powertrain suitable for fundamental driving requirements.
A 150-kW (201-hp) motor powers the rear wheels, delivering 195 lb-ft of torque. While not exceptionally quick, with an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph, the Slate Truck offers adequate performance for standard driving.
The Slate Truck is powered by a standard 52.7-kWh battery providing an estimated range of 150 miles. Additionally, an optional 84.3-kWh battery extends the range to 240 miles. Designating the larger battery as an optional accessory implies that it may be upgradeable later, which would make it uniquely interesting.
Charging the Slate Truck
For charging, the Slate Truck utilizes an NACS charging port, allowing five-hour charging times using an 11-kW Level 2 charger. When using a Tesla Supercharger, the EV can charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. This charging speed allows it to add about 90 to 140 miles to the range during this time frame. Slate acknowledges that super fast cross-country travel isn’t it’s specialty.
America’s Most Affordable EV?
Slate plans to manufacture the Slate Truck in the United States, potentially near Indianapolis, Indiana. Although final pricing has yet to be determined, the projected starting price is around $25,000 before federal tax incentives of up to $7,500, potentially making it one of the most affordable new EVs in America. Direct-to-consumer sales will start online. A refundable deposit of $50 reserves your spot.