Slate EV Small Pickup Truck

[jyl]

What do you think about it?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I think it needs a longer bed. Or better, keep the short bed and then make it modular to accept an extension of the bed, pull of tail lights and gate, add an extension, plug tail lights and gate back on.

[onewhippedpuppy]

It’s interesting for sure. Different and more utilitarian take on the Ford Maverick, they seem to be banking on the $7500 rebate to continue which gets the price under $20k. Former Amazon executive running it and Bezos bankrolling, it will be interesting to see how they adapt to building cars on a production line. I agree with Shaun that it would be nice to see one with a bigger bed, it would be a pretty awesome urban contractor truck in that configuration.

[wdfifteen]

I can see it appealing to small fleet buyers. I've heard some contractors grousing that they couldn't buy a basic pickup-sized work truck anymore.

[shinrai]

I dig it. Not sure why more mfgs aren't doing this. Fleets need these. Private guys like them.

Stellantis should have done this with the option of a 4 cyl. ICE man trans. They should have also brought back the base model Dodge Caravan. Instead, they make a lame electric muscle car nobody wants. It would have saved them. The guys at the helm aren't car guys.

[Seahawk]

First I have heard of it. I think it will work for a lot of people.

https://www.newsweek.com/new-slate-electric-truck-debuts-sub-20k-price-tag-after-rebates-2063369

Slate's truck is 20 inches shorter in length than the Ford Maverick and one foot narrower (nearly the same width as a Toyota Corolla), cementing it in the small truck category.



A friend of mine has a newer Ford Maverick. I like the size a lot. The last vehicle I ever want to buy again is a 1/2 ton or larger truck.

Interesting add to the list to check out!

[GH85Carrera]

It is the first "small pickup" in a long time. It is still pretty big. As it is, there is no replacement vehicle that I that would ever consider replacing my El Camino. We will be making a round trip to Enid, OK again soon. It is a 220 mile round trip. Easy on less than a tank of gas with amazing GM designed AC and it has likely made 300 round trips up there or more.

I might consider a hybrid, but I just don't ever foresee me getting an all electric vehicle.

[jyl]

When converted to SUV, the rollcage feet intrude significantly on the bed. I think the rear wheelwells or the bed sides should be reinforced such that the rollcage feet attach there. I’m reading that the rear seat cushion could be higher, as there is ample headroom.

I agree, the option of a longer bed would be very good.

I like it. The bloat of modern cars is unappealing to me.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

I like it, a lot!

About time auto manufacturers started to reverse their super size, over weight, unaffordable, over complicated mind set

[LWJ]

^^^bingo!

[HobieMarty]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

I like it, a lot!



About time auto manufacturers started to reverse their super size, over weight, unaffordable, over complicated mind set

We have a base model Sportage at work that is sans a lot of the bells and whistles and even has a hard key. Kia has several vehicles that are on a lower trim level for customers who are looking for a more economical alternative.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

I like it, a lot!

About time auto manufacturers started to reverse their super size, over weight, unaffordable, over complicated mind set

It does seem like most automakers have fully abandoned the minimalist economy car, feels like there is an opportunity in that market space. The average US new car price was $48,641 in February, there’s a lot of room under that number. You could easily put together a 4-cylinder minimal power options truck or car that would be cheap, economical, and still meet safety standards. Nobody said you are required to have power windows….

[Sooner or later]

Way too early in the process for me to get too excited. I would be surprised if the initial price point holds. The base with 150 miles of range makes it basically in town use only. I would take a base Maverick at $27k.

[jyl]

I’ve been thinking that a basic Ford Transit Connect would be a decent utility car. Carries a lot, can install rear seats, enclosed cargo area that is tall enough for most anything you’d put in a pickup bed, install rack on top for the “4x8 sheet of plywood” loads.

Sadly, Ford dropped the Transit Connect in the US a couple years ago. The hybrid version with 68 miles of electric only range was, as far as I know, never produced.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by Captain Ahab Jr

I like it, a lot!

About time auto manufacturers started to reverse their super size, over weight, unaffordable, over complicated mind set

We recently returned to the El Camino in the parking lot where a new pickup had parked next to it. That pickup backed in up to the concrete parking gator, as I had my front bumper was even with his tailgate. My tailgate was even to his door. Several feet of cab and engine compartment were sticking out past my 86 El Camino. My El Camino is 201.6 in (16.8 feet)| 5121 mm long, so not a short vehicle.

And it was so tall, I bet 90% of the home garage doors would not be big enough to park it inside.

It was just insane big, and 99% of the time, unused capacity. I was just glad I did not have to pay for it.

I still think an old C-10 pickup size vehicle would be a big seller. But no one asked me.

[onewhippedpuppy]

We have a 2020 Ram 1500 and very frequently fill both the cab and the bed. But I also think our market needs a legitimate compact truck option. Even the supposed compact trucks (Colorado, Tacoma, Ranger) are the same size as a 1/2 ton from 20 years ago.

[Gogar]

gimme a throwback Toyota with a 22-R i'll buy it right now

[GH85Carrera]

This is ugly as sin. No way I want one.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by Gogar

gimme a throwback Toyota with a 22-R i'll buy it right now

Own an immaculate Gen1 4Runner with that engine

It's the only car I'll ever need

[WPOZZZ]

I like it! I have always thought new trucks are too damned big. Slate says the truck should be about the size of an 85 Toyota truck. I think that is the perfect size for my use. I will probably put my $50 down, but no idea on pricing of the options like the squared off covered back, or if it is a modular system to convert from truck to cargo style SUV.