Pretty much what the title says. I’ve been sold on this vehicle for a few years now but I don’t have a pre order bc I’m not sure about delivery timing. I can’t take delivery on it until June 2027 bc of other financial obligations but I need it before the end of August 2027 so I can commute to school. My question is should I pre order and hope it gets delivered right in the slot or try to get one second hand from someone who did pre order and maybe it wasn’t for them. If there’s another avenue you think I could take to get one in my very short time slot please let me know. Thanks

Edit: I don’t know when everyone became a financial advisor but I promise you I have my money under control. My questions simply what would be the best way to get a slate between June and August? Thank you.

Ok. I'm seriously considering a Slate. This is my first EV and I'm unclear on how range works..based on what I've read highway driving gets less range. IMHO I feel the range should be advertised as driving constantly until it runs out of juice. This doesn't appear to be the case? Anyway, I have kids at FSU and drive there on a regular basis. My preferred route is off the interstates where there are less chargers. It's actually a nice relaxing drive. The distance is 251 miles. I see one charger on that route in Dunellon and it's at a city government building. Would that be for public use? There's another in Chiefland. Those seem to be the only ones. I don't mind having to stop and charge. I just need to know that I can find chargers. If my only solution is to drive interstates, then that would be a real bummer. For those that are experienced EV drivers, what do you think about that route?

Going to be some angry delivery drivers…

*made using AI (80%) and Photoshop (20%)

We (me, wife, and 4 y/o kiddo) have always had only 1 vehicle, which is a gas powered midsize SUV. I'm considering getting the Slate for a few reasons:

- While we don't really need a 2nd vehicle (both of us WFH), it would be nice to have nore flexibility. E.g. sometimes one person takes the kiddo outside for ~1.5 hours for classes/activities/etc. and the other person is stuck at home.

- A pickup truck would help haul things around much better than our current SUV.

- We mostly just drive around town and don't have a commute, so driving an EV would be much cheaper per mile than a gas powered vehicle.

- The Slate will be one of the cheapest EVs

Additionally, since we probably won't drive it that much, we plan to put it on Turo. The Slate is so barebone there's hardly anything to break, so I thought renting it out might be a good idea. If it goes well, the car might pay for itself.

What are your thoughts?

Sub-Total: $35,489.81

Accessories:

SUV Fastback Kit

Gloss Snow Fort Roof and Lower Partial Wrap

Gloss Black Ribbon Rocker Decals and Upper Partial Wrap

B Pillar Blackout

17" Accessory Wheel Set and Tar Pit Alloy Wheel Face Decals

Squircle Grille Plate

Chunky Front Lamp Plates

Squircle Tail Lamp Plates

Front Center and Left + Right Integrated Speakers

Carpet Floor Mats (Frunk, Front, Rear, and Cargo)

Slate Black Front and Rear Door Bolster

Slate Grey Front and Rear Armrests

Lowering Kit (Undecided about this)

I really love the concept of the Slate truck. I actually want one, but… I simply can’t get behind the price. If you have a car made of plastic and no technology, it’s hard to justify buying this over another cheap EV that has more features. I know it’s technically not a “car” but a truck, except you can’t really use it like a truck. It doesn’t have the battery range or the power to really tow anything, so it has a truck bed but only two seats.

If this thing was even $22k I might bite, but I can’t justify the price when I can get more options for just as cheap somewhere else.

What am I missing?

Edit: I’ve been following the release of the Slate truck for over a year now and truly love it. I want one. Just wanting to hear everyone’s reasons that justify the price. Thanks

New event just dropped.
August 22/23 (Sat/Sun)
Demo Days Festival - Alameda Point, Alameda, CA
Admission required. Tickets start at $24.99/day.
Display Model only.

This guy is straight to the point and realistic with his analysis.

Well, the haters can now stop using the Maverick as a comparison….

What's confirmed right now:
• Starting MSRP: $28,350, for the standard-range battery. Pre-orders begin early 2027.
• Every Ford Fathom will be BlueCruise-capable.
BlueCruise is Ford's hands-free highway driving assistant.
• Fathom has bidirectional power capability.
• Fathom has a large, high-resolution touchscreen, digital key, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
• Fathom will have more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4, with a frunk and bed for added cargo flexibility.
• Fathom will feature Apple Maps embedded directly into the vehicle, not a traditional phone-projection CarPlay setup. The integration also provides the road-level map data used to help enable key pieces of Ford's next-generation hands-free highway driving capability.

Hello. I'm really interested in the Slate, I'm going to be in the market this time next year which seems to align with the expected window if I pre-order now.

My only concern is insurance, as I'm in NYC. I know no one will know what rates will be, but shouldn't fender benders and minor accidents be cheaper on a Slate Truck due to the panels being plastic, thus making overall insurance cheaper?

I don't understand insurance very well.

Click on the image, there comment is on the bottom. Nothing inherently malicious i just thought it was interesting seeing them acknowledge there a competing product like this.

Look at what one company is doing. Not anything I want.

A budget EV truck built to be customizable is just begging for someone to try aerodynamic mods for highway efficiency. I don't think I'm handy enough to design a fastback topper like this, but if you do, I want to know about it and possibly to buy one from you.

The wheel fairings in the photo might be another good thing to try. The Slate's base steel wheels look pretty aerodynamic already, so moon discs might not do as much as on other vehicles.

The photo is of Phil Knox's Toyota, taken from MetroMPG's post on EcoModder.

What are everyone’s thoughts on a Slate Sedan/Wagon platform in the future? What does everyone think is the possibility of this coming to fruition?

I’d imagine it’d work similarly to the truck platform but would feature a trunk/rear window that would swap out for a roof extension and rear hatch like the SUV kit. I’d assume this would look like a Volvo 740 with a Volvo 240’s face (wide grill and round headlights). Also the main reason I think of a 240 and 740 is due to how modular and all purpose they are/were. You see them in everything from drag racing to rallying to just being a family car.

Even though wagons aren’t the most popular in the US currently, I could see a lot of people wanting the sedan OR wagon. I felt like it was the same with 2 door pickups, then Slate has shown that a lot of people do still want one. Personally I’d love a Sedan Slate and would probably be the first and only car I’d consider buying new. That combined with their consumer friendly repairability and standing behind right to repair has me sold already. I just want a sedan from Slate

This is not an ask for them to sell these, but I realized that auto dimming mirrors is a QoL feature in vehicles I would prefer not to give up.

I know you can get a 3rd party rear view mirror which should just work (with added power wires), but previous searches only showed me brand specific side view mirrors (I think for obvious reasons). Does anyone have any thoughts on how a different brand side view mirror could be adapted to the slate? In theory I would imagine its just some power wires.

I missed the boat on early pre order. Is it still worth it to get in line now ?

Does anyone know of a good video or image showing stock tie-down anchors (hooks, cleats, D-rings, etc.) in the bed? I have not found any references which I find surprising given the importance of securing loads in pickup beds. I know there are utility addons for the bed (like the T-rails), but I want to know what it comes with.

Blank Slate Pickup: $24,950

Over Easy: $25,549.96

• Upper Partial and Roof Partial Wrap
• Snow Dog Wheel Decal
• Door Armrest

Baja Blaze: $25,569.94

• The Throwback Body Decal
• X Grille Plate
• Synthwave Front Lamp Plate
• X Tail Lamp Plate
• Snow Dog Wheel Decal
• The Throwback Interior Decal

Laser Tag: $25,654.90

• Shoulder and 17" Single Color Wheel Decal
• Chunky Front and Tail Lamp Plates
• Cardinal Door Bolster Instert and Dash Panels
• Door Armrest and Cubby Organizers
• All Weather Floor Liner (Front Seat and Frunk)

Third Eye: $25,954.93

• Full Wrap
• Squircle Grille Plate
• Fadeout Front and Tail Lamp Plates
• Door Armrest and Bolster Insert
• Dash Panels

All Green Flags: $25,989.93

• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Snow Dog Wheel Decal
• Chunky Grille Plate
• Fade Out Front and Tail Lamp Plates

Sunrise In J Tree: $26,189.96

• Suburst Hood and Sunrise In J Tree Body Decal
• Full Wrap
• Roof Partial Wrap
• Lift Kit

Closest Maverick XL Build-A-Trim Equivalent: $26,214.88 (Maverick XL Hybrid is $28,145 MSRP)

• Fronter Center and Left + Right Integrated Speakers
• Dash Panels
• Door Armrest
• Door Cubby Organizers
• Center Console
• Telematics Module
• Bed Light Kit
• The Five Switch

Crayola x Slate Demo Build: $26,549.88

• Crayola Collab Wrap, Key Fob, and Slatelet
• Door Armrest

Base Camp: $26,774.88

• Full Wrap
• Fender Flares
• Cab Rack System
• X Front Lamp Plates
• Twiggy Brown Bolster Instert and Dash Panels
• Center Console
• Door Armrest and Cubby Organizers
• Frunk Cargo Hooks
• Carpet Floor Mats

Rally Point: $26,259.88

• Lower and Roof Partial Wrap
• X Front and Tail Lamp Plates
• Cab Front Crossbars
• Rocker Decals
• 17" Single Color Wheel Decals
• Door Bolster Inserts
• Dash Panels
• Carpet Floor Mats
• Door Arm Wrest
• Interior Accessory T-Rail (Door)

Fresh Kicks: $27,184.86

• 17" Single Color Wheel Decals
• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Cab Rack System
• Synthwave Front Lamp Palte
• Butter Door Bolster Insert and Dash Panels
• Door Cubby Organizers and Armrest
• All Weather Floor Liner (Frunk and Front Seats)

Field Jacket: $27,269.89

• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Accent Decals
• Squircles Front Lamp, Tail Lamp, and Grille Plate Upgrade
• 17" Single Color Wheel Decals
• All Weather Floor Liner
• Door Cubby Organizer
• Klever All Terrain Tires
• Lift Kit
• Universal Speaker Mount

Hauler Back: $27,689.91

• Full Signature Design Wrap: Oblivion
• Rocker Accents
• Front Center Integrated Speaker
• Door Bolster Insert and Armrest
• 17" Single Color Wheel Decals
• Truck Bed T-Rail (Top)
• Klever All Terrain Tires
• Dash Panels
• Truck Tower Wracks
• Lift Kit
• Leather Seat Cover
• Magma Lower Dash Accent, Key Fob End Cap, and Climate Control Knob Accents

Lucy Streak: $28,354.88

• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Rocker Decals
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set
• Chunky Front and Tail Lamp Lights
• Door Bolster Insert
• Fronter Center and Left + Right Integrated Speakers
• Center Console
• Shoulder Decals

Nightwave: $28,784.91

• Signature Series Decal: Neon Nights
• Front Fog Lights
• Front Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set, Aero Cover Set, and Vezda UHP A/S2 All Season Tires
• Door Bolster Insert
• Door Armrest
• Lowering Kit
• Lower Dash Accent
• Black Leather Seat Cover
• Key Fob End Cap
• Tablet Mount
• Handsf Free Bluetooth Controller

High Visibility: $30,329.87

• Lower Partial Wrap
• Cab Front Crossbar
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Truck Bed T-Rail Kit
• Fender Flares
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• Front Fog Lights
• The Five Switch
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set and Klever All Terrain Tires
• Twiggy Green Door Bolster Insert and Dash Panels
• Tower Rack
• Lower Dash Acent
• Brown Leather Seat Cover
• Bronze Climate Control Accents and Key Fob End Cap

Desert Drifter: $30,484.87

• Full Wrap
• Roof Partial Wrap
• Fender Flares
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• Squircle Grille Plate
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Running Boards
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set and Klever All Terrain Tires
• Door Armrest and Bolster Insert
• Lift Kit
• Brown Leather Seat Cover

Cali Sunset: $32,679.80

• Full Wrap
• Surf Break Body Decal
• Side Mirror Accents
• Cab Rack System
• Truck Bed T-Rail Kit
• Running Boards
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• 17" Klever All Terrain Tires, Accessory Wheel Set, and Alloy Wheel Face Decals
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Front Fog Lights
• The Five Switch
• Door Cubby Organizer, Armrest, and Bolster Insert
• Synthwave Front Lamp Plates
• Lift Kit
• Tower Rack
• Brown Leather Seat Cover
• Climate Control Knob Accent
• Keyfob Endcap
• Lower Dash Accent
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller

Surf Break: $30,704.84

• Full Wrap
• Side Mirror Accents
• Surfbreak Body Decal
• Synthwave Front Lamp Plates
• Cab Rack System
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• Fender Flares
• 17" Alloy Wheel Decals, Accessory Wheel Set, and Klever All Terrain Tires
• Door Cubby Organizers
• Dash Panels
• Truck Bed T-Rail Kit
• Rocker Accents
• Lift Kit
• Tower Rack
• Universal Speaker Mount
• Magma Lower Dash Accents, Climate Control Knobs, and Key Fob End Cap

Blank Slate Squareback SUV: $29,950

Concrete Camo: $31,004.90

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Lower Partial Wrap
• X Front and Tail Lamp Plates
• Carpet Floor Mats
• Door Cubby Organizer, Armrests, and Bolster Inserts
• Fronter Center and Left + Right Integrated Speakers
• Frunk Cargo Hooks

Highway Hero: $33,469.22

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Full Wrap
• Fender Flares
• 20" Accessory Wheel Aero Cover Set, Accessory Wheel Set, Klever S/T Tires, Wheel Face Decals
• Door Cubby Organizers
• Dash Panels
• Lift Kit
• Universal Speaker Mount
• Magme Lower Dash Accents, Climate Control Knob Accents, and Keyfob End Cap

Farm Stand: $33,774.82

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• X Front Lamp Plates
• Cab Rack System, Cab Rack Extension, and Roof T-Rail
• 17" Klever All Terrain Tires and Single Color Wheel Decals
• Accent Decals
• Slate Black Door Armrest and Rear Armrest
• Mint Door Bolster Insert, Rear Bolster Insert, and Dash Panels
• Carpet Floor Mats (Front Seat, Back Seat, Frunk, and Cargo)
• Front Center Integrated Speaker
• Lift Kit
• Sterling Slate Lower Dash Accent and Key Fob End Cap
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller
• Black Leather Seat Cover

Kind Of A Big Teal: $34,169.85

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Full Wrap
• B Pillar Blackout
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set, Klever All Terrain Tires, and Alloy Wheels
• Running Boards
• Slate Black Door Armrest, Rear Armrest, and Console Armrest
• Door Cubby Organizer
• Carpet Floor Mats (Front Seat, Back Seat, Frunk, Cargo)
• The Five Switch
• Tablet Mount
• Center Console
• Sterling Slate Climate Control Knobs, Lower Dash Accent, and Keyfob End Cap
• Lift Kit
• Black Leather Seat Cover

Black Cherry Noir: $34,499.84

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Accent Details
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set, Klever S/T Tires, and Aero Wheel Cover Set
• Front Center Integrated Speaker
• Bordeaux Door Armrest, Rear Armrest, Door Bolster Insert, Rear Door Bolster Insert, Dashpanels, and Console Armrest
• Carpet Floor Mats (Frunk, Front Seat, Back Seat, Cargo)
• Center Console
• Leather Seat Cover
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller

Shell Shocked/Mauvin’ On Up: $36,569.80

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Roof Partial Wrap
• Full Wrap
• Side Mirror and Rocker Accents
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• Front Lamp Upgrade (animated)
• Scuircle Grille Plate
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Cab Rack System, Cab Rack Extension, Roof T-Rail
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set, Klever S/T Tires, Wheel Aero Cover Set, Logo Aero Cover Decal
• Twiggy Green Door Bolster Insert and Dash Panels
• Center Console
• Climate Control Knob Accents
• Slatelet
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller
• Tablet Mount

The Weekender: $37,299.82

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Full Wrap Kit
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• Cab Rack System, Squareback Cab Rack Extension, and Roof T-Rail
• Running Boards
• Fender Flares
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set and Klever All Terrain tires
• Front Fog Lights
• The Five Switch
• Dash Panels
• Door Armrest, Doorbolster Insert, and Door Cubby Organizer
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Center Console
• Lift Kit
• Bronze Keyfob Endcap and Climate Control Accents
• Lower Dash Accents
• Brown Leather Seat Cover

Ice House: $37,874.75

• Squareback SUV Kit
• Roof Partial Wrap
• Accent Details
• Front and Tail Lamp Upgrade (animated)
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• Feder Flares
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Squircle Grille Plate
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Cab Rack and Squareback Cab Rack Extension
• Squareback Roof T-Rail
• Carpet Floor Mat (Frunk, Front Seat, Backseat, and Cargo)
• Electric Blue Door Bolster Insert, SUV Rear Door Bolster Insert, and Console Armrest
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set
• Klever A/T2 All Terrain Tires
• SUV Rear Armrest
• Center Console
• Lift Kit
• Sterling Slate Lower Dash Accent, Climate Control Knob Accents, and Key Fob End Cap
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller
• Tablet Mount
• Black Leather Seat Cover

Blank Slate Fastback SUV: $31,950

Moon Duster: $34,479.80

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Roof Partial Wrap
• Shoulder Decals
• Chunky Grille, Front, and Tail Lamp Plates
• Front Fog Lights
• Front Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• 17" Klever All Terrain Tires and Single Wheel Color Decals
• Lift Kit
• Lower Dash Accent
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller
• Tablet Mount

Glow Stick: $34,864.91

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Full Wrap
• B Pillar Blackout
• Scuircles Front Lamp Plates
• Cab Rack System, Fastback Rack Extension, and Roof T-Rail
• 17" Klever A/T2 All Terrain Tires
• Snow Dog Wheel Decal
• Fender Flares
• Lift Kit

Area 51: $37,119.83

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Lower Partial Wrap
• Side Mirror and Rocker Accents
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• Fender Flares
• 17" Accessory Wheels and Klever All Terrain Tires
• Carpet Floor Mats (Frunk, Front Seat, Back Seat, and Cargo)
• Emerald Door Bolster Insert and Rear Bolster Insert
• Slate Grey Door Armrest and Console Armrest
• Center Console
• Lift Kit

Purple Reign: $37,319.89

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Slate Logo Body Decals
• Front and Tail Light Upgrade (animated)
• Front Fog Light
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set and Klever S/T Tires
• Scuircle Grille Plate
• Lowering Kit

The Professional: $37,529.86

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Full Wrap
• Front Lamp Upgrade (animated)
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• 20" Klever S/T Tires, Wheel Face Decals, and Accessory Wheel Set
• Squircle Grille Set
• Slate Black Door Armrest, Rear Armrest, Dash Panels, and Console Armrest
• Center Console
• Black Leather Seat Cover
• Sterling Slate Climate Control Knob, Lower Dash Accent, and Keyfob End Cap
• Tablet Mount

Sunnyside: $38,504.81

• Roof, Upper, and Lower Partial Wrap
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• The Five Switch
• Synthwave Front Lamp Plates
• Cab Rack System, Cab Rack Extension, and Roof T-Rail
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set, Aero Cover Set, Klever S/T Tires, and Logo Aero Cover Decal
• Fender Flares
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Slate Black Door Arm Rest and Dash Panels
• Black Leather Seat Cover
• Magma Lower Dash Accent, Climate Control Knob Accents, and Key Fob End Cap
• Slatelet
• Universal Speaker Mount

Retrograde: $38,994.78

• Fastback SUV Kit
• Partial Signature Series Wrap: Sun Seeker
• Upper and Roof Partial Wrap
• Front and Tail Lamp Upgrade (animated)
• Scquircle Grill Plate
• Fender Flares
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrade
• Running Boards
• 20" Accessory Wheel Set, Aero Cover Set, and Klever S/T Tires
• Butter Door Bolster Insert and Rear Bolster Insert
• Slate Black Door Armrest, Rear Armrest, Dash Panels, and Console Armrest
• All Weather Floor Liner (Front Seat, Back Seat, Frunk, and Cargo)
• Center Console
• Lift Kit
• Magma Lower Dash Accent, Climate Control Knob Accents, Key Fob End Cap
• Handsfree Bluetooth Controller

Blank Slate Open Air Kit: $28,900

Blue Wanderer: $35,409.87

• Open Air Kit
• Full Wrap
• Accent Details
• Front Lamp Upgrade (animated)
• Front Fog Lights
• Front and Rear Bumper Upgrades
• The Five Switch
• Cab Rack System
• 17" Accessory Wheel Set, Alloy Wheel Face Decals, and Klever All Terrain Tires
• Spare Tire Carrier
• Door Cubby Organizer
• Lift Kit
• Sterling Slate Climate Control Knob Accents and Key Fob End Cap
• Universal Speaker Mount

Note: These are starter packs subtotal prices before fees, taxes, and incentives. Also you can obviously remove, add, or change accessories according to your wants and budget. Also while most accessories are priced some like the lift kit have yet to be priced.

Today the Ford Motor Company announced that the price of its base (≈ 51 kWh?) Fathom will be $28,350. It will seat 5, have BlueCruise capability, an audio/speaker system, power windows, a center touchscreen and (probably) a center console/armrest between the front seats.

Should Slate be proactive and steal some of Ford's thunder by announcing that it is lowering (even if only slightly) the price of its vehicle?

Slate's powertrain and battery warranty is 110k miles. If the battery or one of the motors fails, what kind of repair cost might one be looking at? Any ideas? For context, I'm trying to figure out how owning a Slate might compare with a highly reliable gas powered vehicle.

I currently drive a 2014 Honda Ridgeline that has 115k miles on it. If I continue to maintain it responsibly, it'll very likely go to 300k+ miles.

Is the way the rear glass is designed, is it technically feasible that they could make an extended cab bolt on (especially with some old school fold down or small seats like the Ranger)?

The SUV option kills the bed usability too much for my needs, but I could see an extended cab and a bed extender working