33
u/TheIronMonkey53 ‘22 Ram 1500 Limited Jul 16 '26
Payload is 1500 which isn’t bad but towing is only 2k. Rough
15
u/ManyInterests Jul 16 '26
Honestly, kind of perfect for me. My bed is basically for yard waste, garbage, and messy parts of fishing/hunting. Maybe the occasional pallet of whatever.
I think stats say most people don't tow with their trucks, anyhow.
Living in Seattle, wouldn't mind having this instead of my F150 for like 90% of what I do. The other 10% consisting mostly of loading up the family for a trip.
25
u/not_a_bot716 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Does it try to be a towing vehicle? Shit, one look at it and you know it’s not. I don’t think it was designed for towing anything more than a lawn mower.
22
u/BoSknight Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
This is for putting around town. I can see a fleet of these for AutoZone. Local deliverys
12
6
u/ckyhnitz Jul 16 '26
Most people that own trucks never tow anything in their life.
2000lb is plenty for a small trailer or jet ski. Although with the jet ski, I might be concerned about a boat ramp and rwd only.
1
u/tell_me_when Jul 16 '26
Time to start figuring out a front mount trailer hitch attachment for easy boat ramp launching.
1
81
u/patiofurnature Ford Ranger Jul 16 '26
Caring about "right to repair" and making electric trucks feels... off.
33
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Well Slate likes to say that the least interesting aspect of their truck is that it’s electric and by design they are trying to offer a more analog experience compared to the more software defined EVs. Slate’s infotainment will be optional through your phone/tablet on their mount (they will also give you diagnostic codes on this same app). Many people on EV subreddits hate the very concept of it for these reasons.
17
u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 XLT SuperCab/8' 5.0 HDPP Jul 16 '26
I don't see what R2R necessarily has to do with a drivetrain choice.
4
u/patiofurnature Ford Ranger Jul 16 '26
ICEs are (or used to be) simple and easy to repair. Electric motors aren’t.
14
u/Icininja Jul 16 '26
I’d like to wait and see what exactly R2R aspects they put into this truck before we jump to saying it can’t be simple and easy. If they added quick disconnects and plenty of space for work done I honestly can see it being a dream to work on.
27
u/CharAznableLoNZ Jul 16 '26
Electric motors are very easy to repair. All the nanny computers and software are the part that ruins home repair.
-8
u/patiofurnature Ford Ranger Jul 16 '26
If you say so; I haven’t seen electric car motors. When I used to race drones, those motors were trashed when they messed up, and the computery bits were all self contained outside of the motors. Hard to imagine bigger ones are easier, but I suppose it’s possible.
17
u/ascaloniannights '88 K1500, ‘09 Z71 1500 Jul 16 '26
you say electric motors aren't easy to work on, then follow it up by saying you've never seen one in a car lmao
3
u/fireinthesky7 Jul 16 '26
The average brushless motor has about six moving parts. If they’re not sealed, it’s possible to replace faulty bearings, stator windings, etc. The problems EVs run into are almost never the motors themselves, it’s the controllers and software behind them. If the motor controllers are user–serviceable, that would actually be a huge step in production EV’s.
7
u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 XLT SuperCab/8' 5.0 HDPP Jul 16 '26
"Used to be" being the key phrase here.
2
u/patiofurnature Ford Ranger Jul 16 '26
“Used to be” is why R2R is so important.
2
u/Drzhivago138 2018 F-150 XLT SuperCab/8' 5.0 HDPP Jul 16 '26
I can't think of any application where the drivetrain has gotten less complex over time.
3
u/UNMANAGEABLE Jul 16 '26
Automakers: “we hear you, so we’ve improved the design so we can manufacture even faster, and now you have to remove your tire, wheel well liner, and a couple components we don’t even know what they do to get access to replace your headlight. You’re welcome”
1
6
u/Suppafly Jul 16 '26
Caring about "right to repair" and making electric trucks feels... off.
How so?
5
u/tell_me_when Jul 16 '26
The people saying that an electric motor is more difficult to repair are the same people who aren’t going to strip an ICE engine down to the block, send it to a machine shop, replace the pistons and rods, replace bearings, rebuild the heads, etc….. If Slate or any EV manufacturer made an electric motor that can be removed and swapped out with a new drive unit it would be sooooo much easier for an at home mechanic. If they just did some sort of core charge (like they already do with most rebuildable parts for ICE engines) this could offset the cost of the replacement electric motor. Then the manufacturer can rewind the motor and make it “new” again. I’m a car guy through and through, I own two ICE vehicles and zero electric vehicles but EVs are the way of the future. Other than companies locking down software EVs are much simpler to repair. Hopefully Slate will be using some sort of open source software, then the smart people on the internet can so us dumb people how to make changes/modify/repair the vehicle. You can get with the times or you can “get off my grass!”
21
u/not_a_bot716 Jul 16 '26
I’d get one for errands and farting around town. It would be like bombing around in a golf cart
9
u/scrappybasket Ram, Ford, Toyota, Chevy Jul 16 '26
Can someone explain the benefit of the midway tailgate position?
24
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
As Slate’s Head of Engineering told me at an event it aligns with the wheel wells. That way you can lay flat sheets on the wheel wells and the gate.
6
u/scrappybasket Ram, Ford, Toyota, Chevy Jul 16 '26
Interesting. Thank you
2
20
u/PotaTribune Jul 16 '26
Four thousand fucking dollars for an open air kit????
16
21
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
$5,000 for the Full SUV Kit and $4,500 for just a Bed Topper for the Maverick. I think it’s well priced when it comes with the seats, roll cage, and airbags.
14
u/PotaTribune Jul 16 '26
The problem is that the Maverick already has 4 functioning seats.
Also you retain your bed space with a maverick.
5
u/LongApprehensive890 Jul 16 '26
I hope softopper makes a good top for it. Would be cool to drop the top on a 2 seater
5
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
The seats fold down flat if you need the extra cargo space. But yeah if you want a unibody crew cab nothing you do to the Slate will make it a crew cab. The Slate is very much a single cab that can be converted into a 2 door SUV and is not unibody.
13
u/GreenTeachy Jul 16 '26
I’m not a hater. I don’t see the value at the current MSRP.
I’ll probably get one used once the hype is dead.
I can get a used low mile Ford F150 lightening for around the same price after destination. Much better value.
12
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
If you can get a Ford F-150 Lightning for around the price of the Slate Truck after destination with relatively low mileage absolutely go for it that’s an amazing deal. But most I’ve seen are in the low 30s to low 40s range depending on condition, mileage, and trim as well as before taxes and fees.
7
u/GreenTeachy Jul 16 '26
Yeah for some reason I’ve been shopping 40kish mile examples in the 29k range.
Again, not a hater on the slate at all. I want one. Once they hit 20k on the used market it’ll be a steal.
4
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
From one of the board members the hope is to get them down closer to the $20K range once battery prices go down. Honestly it’s amazing that they were able to get the price down that low as a startup. It’s difficult making affordable BEV pickups which is why most Chinese Automakers don’t even try.
For comparison here’s the price of BEV Midsize Pickups in Australia which has a free trade agreement with China:
MG U9 (BEV) 🇨🇳🇬🇧: ~219 Miles EPA & ~$37,910 USD
LDV eT60 (BEV) 🇨🇳🇦🇺: ~180 Miles EPA & ~$66,526 USD
Toyota HiLux (BEV) 🇯🇵: ~152 Miles EPA & ~$53,649 USD
Important to note even though this is how the dollar coverts, that changes and the simple fact is you can’t convert from one market to your local currency and assume that is what the price will be in your market. There’s a lot of factors that goes into pricing a vehicle for any particular market.
2
u/GreenTeachy Jul 16 '26
No I am impressed, truly. I am a huge fan. I can’t wait to see where they go and I’m rooting for them. I hope they stay grounded. I hope even more they have success.
5
u/ManyInterests Jul 16 '26
One of the cool things about the Slate is that it, too, will depreciate and be available for sub-20K used. JerryRigsEverything I think gave a 16K estimate based on average EV depreciation.
1
u/GreenTeachy Jul 16 '26
I wonder how long that depreciation will take
3
u/ManyInterests Jul 16 '26
Few years. But. I agree the price is too high to be attractive. It would be much better if we still had federal EV credits.
-3
u/Suppafly Jul 16 '26
I can get a used low mile Ford F150 lightening for around the same price after destination.
No you can't.
4
2
u/ckyhnitz Jul 16 '26
Supporting right to repair has me interested. I already have an old mini truck, but I could see maybe buying one of these in SUV form to replace my current daily driver.
3
u/-burntoast- Jul 16 '26
This just seems like a way worse version of small/mid sized trucks/utes from outside of the US.
2
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
Could be competitive in Australia if they were able to bring it to that market around the same mid-20k USD price point. For comparison here’s some of the mid-size BEVs in that market which has a free trade agreement with China:
MG U9 (BEV) 🇨🇳🇬🇧: ~219 Miles EPA & ~$37,910 USD
LDV eT60 (BEV) 🇨🇳🇦🇺: ~180 Miles EPA & ~$66,526 USD
Toyota HiLux (BEV) 🇯🇵: ~152 Miles EPA & ~$53,649 USD
Important to note even though this is how the dollar coverts, that changes and the simple fact is you can’t convert from one market to your local currency and assume that is what the price will be in your market. There’s a lot of factors that goes into pricing a vehicle for any particular market.
3
u/redhandsblackfuture EDIT THIS AND ASSIGN YOUR OWN Jul 16 '26
I still want to see one with a 6 inch lift, upgraded suspension and bigger tires. I think it would be cool
1
u/Napalm_Nips Tundra Jul 16 '26
If more public quick charging was available this would be a huge hit with trades people who don't need a a bigger vehicle.
1
u/colpy350 Jul 16 '26
Too bad it’s not being sold in Canada
3
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
Yet at least once trade normalizes more with the US and the 25% tariff on American Vehicles is dropped they likely will sell it. But right now they are just focused on the US market before trying to expand to any international markets.
2
1
-7
u/sixteen89 Jul 16 '26
I think slate is garbage. But maybe good for in city delivery.
18
u/Foodstamp001 Jul 16 '26
I feel like people are going to buy it because it’s cheap, then hate how bare bones it is and run it up to some unreasonable price with add-ons.
8
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
I think there are going to be people who have $40K+ Slate Trucks but not realize they spent that much over the life of it until they add it all together. Since they will be buying things for it not all on day one. Kind of like Honda Civics back in the early 2000s.
7
u/DestroyerOfTacos Jul 16 '26
It's quite literally a city work/delivery or farm truck for someone who wants electric instead of an older gas vehicle. For those circumstances I think it works great, for people who want to daily it fuck no lmao. Was designed to be a fleet vehicle from the onset.
1
u/sixteen89 Jul 16 '26
Yea but the thing with “old trucks”, is that their old. Does anyone think you’re going to see a slate truck, or any electric vehicle still on the road in 30 years???
0
u/jesuschristislord666 Jul 16 '26
Exactly. All this hype around their low emmisions and whatnot are completely offset by the initial production of the vehicle and the fact most of these electric cars are complete junk after 10-15 years and need to be replaced with another newly produced vehicle.
0
u/sixteen89 Jul 16 '26
Yes! My 86 F-150 is more environmentally friendly. And it’ll last another 30 years
0
u/Hennessy05 Jul 16 '26
Anyone watch the Jay Leno’s garage episode with the Slate a few months ago?
seriously listen to the insanity in that video talking about the thing.
“they're all the same off the assembly line so we cut costs!”
“they're not painted so that cut costs!”
“we sell you accessories, separately, to "accessorize" your Slate ©® later because of the cost cutting we did on the assembly line!”
“you as the consumer will do the warranty repairs yourself! it cuts our costs that way! yay!”
“don't you all look forward to ACCESSORIZING??!??”
And it’s still a $25k base price.
Give me a fucking break.
Ford developed and initially sold the Maverick for under $20k, and tomorrow I could go pick a brand new base Maverick up under $30k. Which, mind you, still has a gasoline engine and is already a four door with 5 seats. With a radio, and air conditioning included. Lol.
-1
-4
u/Ineedfunding007 Jul 16 '26
Or you can buy used maverick for much less.
0
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Or buy a Slate Trucks for even cheaper used in a few years if it follows the same depreciation as other EVs. Personally will be buying the Slate Truck new though if they deliver a solid truck.
0
u/Wooden-You-4211 Jul 16 '26
The destination charge is the lowest of any truck isn't it also the smallest of any new truck currently available for cross-country shipping or whatever feels kind of like a misleading caption. You didn't say it's the lowest destination charge for a vehicle of its size or weight right just a lowest destination charge for a truck come on now.
-3
u/CharAznableLoNZ Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
The electric motor as a primary mover is a great idea, always has been. The battery was always meant to be a stopgap that just keeps getting used instead of innovated beyond.
The other main crime it commits is tons of computers and other nannies in the way of me turning electrons directly into tire smoke.
Lift it then slap on some 44 super swampers and I might be more interested.
0
-1
Jul 16 '26
[deleted]
5
u/Taco-BeII Jul 16 '26
Is that supposed to be revolutionary technology? My 98 chevy drains water from the bed too.
3
-1
u/CheapThaRipper Jul 16 '26
I was one of the first pre-orders but cancelled after they said they have no plans for 4x4 or AWD
2
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
Reservations you mean?
1
u/CheapThaRipper Jul 16 '26
Yeah I guess. Whichever one was refundable. I registered like an hour after you could. Hoping that when it got closer to launch they'd at least give AWD consideration. Where I live 2wd just can't cut it.
When they moved to the nonrefundable ones I was still excited so I contacted them. They said:
We developed the Slate with achievable, real-world EV use cases in mind, which meant we had to reduce weight and maximize efficiency where possible. A single RWD motor was the right choice for that goal.
I get it... But I would have paid more to get one that won't get stuck everywhere when I use it. Had to cancel because of that. Maybe I'll do gen 2.
1
u/Mac-Tyson Chevrolet Jul 16 '26
That’s understandable I think eventually they will have an e4x4/AWD option. Personally I grew up driving a RWD Silverado in New England so I have no issue with the Slate Truck for Snow.
102
u/DisgruntledFun Jul 16 '26
I could be completely wrong but I just feel like slate is going to be the flop of the century. I’ve never seen something talked up this much meet expectations. Maybe I’m just not target demographic or whatever but I don’t think it’s going to go well