Why there has been tremendous hype around the Slate Truck
Slate Truck: from two-person pickup to five-person SUV
Slate’s first creation, simply called the Slate Truck, was designed as a two-seat electric pickup in one solid factory specification. Think steel wheels, manual window controls and physical buttons for climate control. The style: timeless and approachable. But the uniqueness lies in the modularity. A so-called smart flat-pack SUV kit accessory allows the truck to transform into a full-fledged five-passenger SUV, complete with roll cage, airbags and a rear seat. Do it yourself or have it installed for you: that’s up to you.
‘Your truck, your rules’
Slate is fully committed to personal freedom. Customers can choose from more than a hundred accessories, either separately or in bundles. This creates a “Blank Slate” that you can fill out completely according to your own wishes – not only at the time of purchase, but also years later when your needs change. Think roof racks, special storage solutions, interior upgrades and much more.
Smartphone or tablet acts as infotainment system
Instead of a fixed infotainment system, Slate introduces a universal phone holder and USB power supply. Just use the smartphone or tablet you already know and trust. No new system to learn, no obsolete screens in a few years – just your own tech in your own truck.
Slate Truck: the powertrain
The base version of the Slate Truck has a 52.7-kWh battery, a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, rear-wheel drive and a target range of 150 miles (about 240 km). Those needing more range can opt for an optional 84.3-kWh battery, good for about 240 miles (385 km) of range. The range is measured according to the fairly realistic U.S. EPA cycle. Charging can be done just at home via a regular wall outlet or via a fast charger to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Safety
Despite its minimalist approach, Slate does not compromise on safety. The truck is designed to achieve the highest safety scores, with standard Active Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning and up to eight airbags.
Price Slate Truck
Slate is taking a clear approach: an expected price of under $20,000 after federal subsidies ($27,000 before subsidies). This will make the Slate Truck one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market.
Made in USA
Production of the Slate Truck will take place at a reindustrialized plant in the United States. In addition to the production site, Slate is also building a Customer Experience Center, where customers can experience and customize their truck. Slate sells the pickup online. Delivery is through locations close to home, and for maintenance you can go to a nationwide network of service points, the plan is. Because Slate’s approach is so simple and the pickup so affordable, hype has been building in the USA. This could well be a success.
With help from Amazon
Slate – based in Michigan – was realized with support from Amazon, a multinational technology and e-commerce company founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Originally started as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly grew into one of the largest companies in the world, operating in various sectors such as e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming and artificial intelligence. The Michigan-based company is taking the truck into production with funding from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. For now, the Slate Truck will be marketed only in the United States.
