Slate EV Pickup

[dogememe]

You wouldn't have considered a more affordable vehicle instead? On a quick glance there are some EVs in that segment that are more affordable than the Prologue if EV was the biggest consideration and the tax credit was the make or break for the sale. I only mention this because at the time of the purchase of our Model 3 the tax credit lapsed. I did get it with the Model Y.

Well sure, I got my Volt without tax credit, but it made a big difference for the other three. You are right though, I really don't NEED such expensive vehicles

 

[JeffKeryk]

Meh, I get where you're coming from, but if it wasn't for incentives I would not be able to afford them. I used the $4K used EV credit once on a Bolt and the $7500 new credits on the 2024 Prologue and 2025 Equinox EV. So, I do appreciate it. I'd probably still be driving my gas 2010 Ford Escape otherwise haha.

Are you assuming the price would be the same if there were no tax advantages? In 2019, when the original tax credits were halved, Tesla lowered the price of the Model 3.

Price is a function of the market. Ecoomics teaches us prices will tend to rise until consumption falls to an unacceptable level.

 

[y_p_w]

Unfortunately, Slate Auto has disabled this from inline playback.



Here’s a screenshot.

 

[Speedbird001]

In! Put down the $50 today

• This will be a 2nd car for me, I still really like my '17 Tacoma. Putting this thing on commuter duty will not only save me gas $ but extend the life of the Tacoma, that I frankly could not afford to replace
• I love the no frills, modest size, DIY friendly, build it your way concept. (Walking thru a dealers lot and seeing nearly every car loaded with stuff I do not need or want makes my blood boil)
• Size, load capacity, 4WD is not a factor for me, I have the Tacoma for that. This will be dedicated for the 3x weekly 100 mile commute. Sure, I'd love a Series-3 Tesla, but at $45k+ it's just not happening...
• Towards the bottom of their home page is a cool graphic comparing the profile to different rides: ie full size chevy, VERY interesting, this is about the same size as a pre-Tacoma Toyota p/u.
• Right now my vision is: Fastback hard-top, lowering kit, 20" rims, low profiles and LED for a modern GMC Typhoon:

 

[alarmguy]

In! Put down the $50 today

• This will be a 2nd car for me, I still really like my '17 Tacoma. Putting this thing on commuter duty will not only save me gas $ but extend the life of the Tacoma, that I frankly could not afford to replace
• I love the no frills, modest size, DIY friendly, build it your way concept. (Walking thru a dealers lot and seeing nearly every car loaded with stuff I do not need or want makes my blood boil)
• Size, load capacity, 4WD is not a factor for me, I have the Tacoma for that. This will be dedicated for the 3x weekly 100 mile commute. Sure, I'd love a Series-3 Tesla, but at $45k+ it's just not happening...
• Towards the bottom of their home page is a cool graphic comparing the profile to different rides: ie full size chevy, VERY interesting, this is about the same size as a pre-Tacoma Toyota p/u.
• Right now my vision is: Fastback hard-top, lowering kit, 20" rims, low profiles and LED for a modern GMC Typhoon:

View attachment 277533

Very cool ... Yeah simplicity is nice sometimes. I like bells and whistles sometimes but things have got out of control as far as I am concerned.

 

[kebabaluba]

Finaly a simple truck, i like this a lot. Slate got some GMC Cyclone/Typhoon/Bronco vibe and i like that. Hopefully it will make to Europe in the future.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I hate the fact that I like it. Ill wait 5 years after release to see if the company still exists, wait for the recalls and see if its another cybertruck like unrepairable disaster.

 

[zzyzzx]

Needs ICE engine.

 

[Rmay635703]

Needs ICE engine.

Platform laws all but ban small bench seat ICE trucks due to the wheelbase/“vehicle shadow “ and passenger calculations held against such a vehicle.

 

[zzyzzx]

Platform laws all but ban small bench seat ICE trucks due to the wheelbase/“vehicle shadow “ and passenger calculations held against such a vehicle.

Isn't that about to change?

 

[vwmaniaman]

I grew up in Phoenix and I still remember the adds for the new Chevy pickup trucks with 6 cyl and stick shift for $3995. Rear bumper and spare tire were optional.

 

[alarmguy]

I hate the fact that I like it. Ill wait 5 years after release to see if the company still exists, wait for the recalls and see if its another cybertruck like unrepairable disaster.

Good point, in addition, let's say it's a big hit. GM will jump on the bandwagon, using an existing line to get up to speed to match it.
I assume they already have the planning done and will watch and see. OR it just won't be worth it to them, meaning unable to compete on price.
My hope is, this new pick up leads a charge for alternative vehicles everywhere that are so loaded with options you can't even use them all and I can testify, the distraction while driving thing is real playing with all the bells and whistles.

 

[Rmay635703]

Isn't that about to change?

Platform laws relate both to crash and EPA, so unlikely (even though some in .gov seems to think recent events affect anything )

One would hope a small 5mt pickup could be produced, but thus far it appears nothing is changing. Ah well

 

[finmile]

Here’s an excellent video about Slate. I’d want one

 

[LavaRand]

A step in the right direction IMO.

It seems however they might have went a bit to far with the minimalist theme just to prove a point at the cost of the users creature comfort.

The power windows I would be willing to live without, not a big deal.

No radio? Really? Even just the most basic am/fm with blue tooth and 2 speakers in the dash would make this so much more appealing. I would suspect the aftermarket will step in here if these actually make it to market and become popular.

Also I don’t see one cupholder? Again, I think this is more just to make a statement but maybe that’s going a bit too far?

Still would rather this than the usual screens everywhere and a bunch of “features” I won’t use and don’t want.

I thought an AM radio was legally required in all cars.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I thought an AM radio was legally required in all cars.

AM doesn’t work in an EV.

 

[97prizm]

I agree that fleets are going to LOVE this thing. I still think as a daily driver for most people the $35K Equinox EV makes more sense than the $25K Slate. But that's just my opinion. Maybe I'm biased but a "traditional" interior with four doors and a nice infotainment and stereo system is worth a lot.

I think Tesla should have to pay back the 12 plus billion dollars in carbon offsets that they've been handed since early on.

 

[97prizm]

According to a recent Doug Demuro video if the tax rebate goes away the slate will cost as much as a Ford Maverick. At that rate it wonder be competitive especially if you have to install accessories on the slate yourself.

 

[Torrid]

AM doesn’t work in an EV.

I'd imagine it would sound like being parked under a power line at all times if it existed. Heck, I'm sure being passed by an EV while listening to AM radio would induce interference.

 

[Speedbird001]

- Hopefully Slate can tap into the Amazon logistics chain, that would be Huuuuuge, not just for parts/accessory delivery, economies of scale [discounted buying power], but also 1st mile flow of components into the final assembly point

- Don't think I've read about financing.... Real world most buyers, especially those shopping at this price point will need financing. They will NEED something very competitive, like the majors. I can see them linking up with Affirm or PayPal, but those guys will want higher rates that car buyers are used to...

- I saw a modest delivery fee and only "Retail" stores like Tesla... Does that mean we will avoid the highway robbery dealer "Processing Fees"? They are insane now, close to $1k in the DC area... This needs to be shouted from the mountain tops. $1k is a lot of money to just toss a dealer.... This could sway someone who is on the bubble.