$24,950 SLATE EV Truck / SUV Info & News

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Was wondering why this had not been come up with sooner.

Because decades of auto sales data show what [most] consumers say they want, don't translate into what they actually do. Lots of people say they want a stripped down cheap car. But, once at the dealership, they end up spending more. Especially when auto loan rates were low, the impact of options on monthly payments was more palatable. Maybe the math is different now, but I still think this is going to be a niche product. Nothing wrong with that, since Slate is answering a underserved demand (for simple affordable cars) and with good timing. The unanswered question is, is there enough demand and if Slate is structured in such way that it will be sustainable as a business.

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[Great Gatsby]

Because decades of auto sales data show what [most] consumers say they want, doesn't translate into what they actually do. Lots of people say they want a stripped down cheap car. But, once at the dealership, they end up spending more. Especially when auto loan rates were low. With nice-to-have options added, the impact on monthly payments made the added cost more palatable. Maybe the math is different now, but I still think this is going to be a niche product. Nothing wrong with that, since Slate is answer a underserved demand (for simple affordable cars). The unanswered question is, is there enough demand and if Slate is structured in such way that it will be sustainable as a business.

All good points!

That niche though? A sub $30k, in theory very low maintenance, smaller truck seems like a great buy for a lot of people. Add all the options and it can cast a wider net. That is not to mention those going to fleets as well. I foresee it doing quite well!

It also seems like everyone is struggling in the current car market due to high prices and economic factors. Slate could not be coming out at a better time IMO specially with interest high and less financial flexibility than years before.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

All good points!

That niche though? A sub $30k, in theory very low maintenance, smaller truck seems like a great buy for a lot of people. Add all the options and it can cast a wider net. That is not to mention those going to fleets as well. I foresee it doing quite well!

It also seems like everyone is struggling in the current car market due to high prices and economic factors. Slate could not be coming out at a better time IMO specially with interest high and less financial flexibility than years before.

It's a great buy for some people (who just want a simple A to B appliance) and small businesses who don't want the expense of maintaining and fueling a business car, or a small fleet of them. Yes, niche. Because that description doesn't fit everyone. And $25k may still be too high for some. They'll just keep whatever they have (can refuel in 5 min at any gas station and drive more than 300 mi on a tank). Had the EV credit stay in place and Slate could keep their original "promise" of under $20k... more could have been compelled to at least think about it. It isn't a mainstream product. And Slate doesn't have production capacity to meet mainstream level demand anyway. Judging by their marketing, I think they know full well who they are after... and is not aiming to be mainstream.

 

[Dark-Fx]

I'm probably going to buy one and go "full mini-truck" on it. Bagged and slammed.

 

[RWerksman]

At 150 miles of range, this was DOA, even at $25k. At 205, the calculous changes a bit, especially considering it can be converted into an SUV for $5k more.

TCO on something like this should hopefully be fantastically low.

 

[virgnia_rivian]

Some more in depth details:

 

[Dark-Fx]

At 150 miles of range, this was DOA, even at $25k. At 205, the calculous changes a bit, especially considering it can be converted into an SUV for $5k more.

TCO on something like this should hopefully be fantastically low.

And LFP now, so you can actually charge to 100% daily if you need to.

 

[ndmiller]

They are going to sell as many as they can make at this price.

While I already have a Maverick for my daughter, I can sell it for almost what I paid 2 years ago.

I'd like to see crash test data as it's smaller than a Maverick as well.

Here is my designed Slate, $35k all in.

 

[Dark-Fx]

They are going to sell as many as they can make at this price.

While I already have a Maverick for my daughter, I can sell it for almost what I paid 2 years ago.

I'd like to see crash test data as it's smaller than a Maverick as well.

Here is my designed Slate, $35k all in.

Hopefully they make enough to get to my number.

 

[BigSkies]

It's a fascinating vehicle, and I hope they do well. It will be a throwback in a lot of ways. Some in which people aren't expecting.

One article mentioned that they didn't do anything to mitigate noise and vibration. That will be a shock to people used to modern cars.

I'm curious to see how it does in the snow. I might consider this in a few years when my kid is ready for their first car. Something used will probably win out, but this could be a contender.

 

[Dark-Fx]

It's a fascinating vehicle, and I hope they do well. It will be a throwback in a lot of ways. Some in which people aren't expecting.

One article mentioned that they didn't do anything to mitigate noise and vibration. That will be a shock to people used to modern cars.

I'm curious to see how it does in the snow. I might consider this in a few years when my kid is ready for their first car. Something used will probably win out, but this could be a contender.

Snow tires!

 

[Time2Roll]

Because decades of auto sales data show what [most] consumers say they want, doesn't translate into what they actually do. Lots of people say they want a stripped down cheap car. But, once at the dealership, they end up spending more. Especially when auto loan rates were low, the impact of options on monthly payments was more palatable. Maybe the math is different now, but I still think this is going to be a niche product. Nothing wrong with that, since Slate is answering a underserved demand (for simple affordable cars) and with good timing. The unanswered question is, is there enough demand and if Slate is structured in such way that it will be sustainable as a business.

Well Slate website indicates lots of add-ons to personalize the vehicle. May fine a large niche in the market.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Well Slate website indicates lots of add-ons to personalize the vehicle. May fine a large niche in the market.

Been many vocal people complaining how expensive it is to move out of the truck. Of course those people are clueless about the safety requirements of having the extra seating.

 

[Gen(R3)Xer]

It’s a cool little vehicle. I could see fleet people buying it in warmer flatter locations. And of course there will be hobbyists and early adopters doing fun things.

I watched a few videos about it and one of the engineers said it has an LFP battery. I know those are cheaper than NMC, but they suck in the cold.

The range is also a no go for me. At 205 miles how much do you think that’s going to get on the highway (minus 10%-25%), in the winter (minus 20%-40%), with the extra seats, airbags, roll cage, and SUV shell attached (???), etc. Probably 185-154 miles on the highway and 164-123 miles in the winter. Combine those with the SUV add-ons and you’re screwed.

 

[Dark-Fx]

It’s a cool little vehicle. I could see fleet people buying it in warmer flatter locations. And of course there will be hobbyists and early adopters doing fun things.

I watched a few videos about it and one of the engineers said it has an LFP battery. I know those are cheaper than NMC, but they suck in the cold.

The range is also a no go for me. At 205 miles how much do you think that’s going to get on the highway (minus 10%-25%), in the winter (minus 20%-40%), with the extra seats, airbags, roll cage, and SUV shell attached (???), etc. Probably 185-154 miles on the highway and 164-123 miles in the winter. Combine those with the SUV add-ons and you’re screwed.

Slate's market isn't people who only have one car, or intend to use it for long distance trips. Excluding those uses is still a huge untapped market for potential EV buyers in the US.

I have very few friends that even own one EV. Slate is on some of their radars as their first EV for commuting, while keeping an ICE vehicle in their family for everything else.

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