Jay Leno first look at the Slate truck

[Randolph]

We saw this about a year ago, here's the first look of what will be produced later this year. Wish them great success.

[Steve Carlton]

I wish them luck, too. They were kind of fuzzy on the initial selling price "between $20-30k." How much does it wind up being after you've made it the way you want it? They say in the video that they kept the price down by being smart. It looks more like keeping it spartan was a big piece of it, too. There's no more $7,500 tax credit/rebate like there was up until 9/30/2025 and the market has cooled off on EVs, largely I think to people jumping on the bandwagon without realizing the limitations. In the right situation, an EV can be awesome.

Mercedes has a CLA 250+e coming out this quarter with a base price around $49k with destination and an EPA range of 374 miles and it tends to go farther. When you can charge an EV quickly and go 500 miles, I think interest will be re-kindled. For now, the bargains are in 2-3 year old used EVs, I think.

[jyl]

I like the idea a lot. Wish them luck. We need an inexpensive, versatile vehicle.

[HobieMarty]

I watched that video last night. I like the idea of personalization and I wish them well.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[GH85Carrera]

I saw that video and I too wish them luck. So many electric car companies come and go and vanish.

That truck would be perfect for a light duty work truck. Get the crew to the work site in the SUV mode, and not have to buy the typical 60K standard pickup.

They don't mention the likely 4 to 5 grand in the cost to wrap it to get a color of choice. I will not be a customer. If I still commuted 25 miles to work, and went to lunch somewhere, back to the office and home at the end of the day (shudder at the thought) an electric car might be in the books. As it is I will stick with my antique El Camino that was paid off in 1992 (the last millennium), and is easy to maintain and orders of magnitude cheaper to operate than any new car with the purchase price added in.

[Steve Carlton]

[faverymi]

Glorified golf cart?

It's adorable

What is the payload.

[Randolph]

1400 lb

[Steve Carlton]

EV phone home.

[astrochex]

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/first-ride-2027-slate-pickup

[aschen]

Many engineers get hot and bothered at the concept of modularity. I get it but I think it usually ends up with too many compromises. I want slate to succeed. I love the idea of simplifying cars and making body panels easily replaceable. However I think the market for a small 2 seat truck is limited and the marked for a 2 door 5 place CUV isnt a whole lot better. Seems perfect for a small nitch though.

27k will buy a 4 door hybrid 40mpg ford maverick though.

[vash]

I hope the company kills it and proves all the naysayers wrong.

it would then inspire completion to step up with additional variations.

I remember when the last big changed happened, there was the exact same grumblings. hahahah..

[tdw28210]

[Randolph]

Gen Z can't buy homes and are mostly driving used Civics. But they but they do like customization, and value, and appreciate electric vehicles, so the Slate may do very well with them.

[unclebilly]

I like the model, similar to REO but electric and 2WD.

These are like the ikea of transportation.

[dw1]

A fully loaded Slate Truck with the SUV kit, lift, and accessories tops out around $35,000. That changes the math considerably.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/i-rode-in-slates-24950-electric-truck-it-didnt-feel-like-a-24950-electric-truck

[john70t]

@29 backed by Jeff Bezos. And Leno talked about Bezos losing $2B/yr but still making it. A pep talk.

The CEO just kept repeating price point.
Gave a hard look at the lead Engineer when she was speaking (mic was not working).
And the conversation was limited to that. And only that.
Too slick Charlie.

There's the catch in there somewhere. An EV has complicated electronic management systems. New cars have all kinds of mandated devices which now include cameras and mics. If it's free you are the product.

I luvs me some cheap DIY pickups. EV and self-fueling even better for those able. But this looks like the printer ink model.

[Randolph]

Today's NY Times Let me know if you can't see the article by Jamie Kitman.

So This Is What a Bare-Bones, $25,000 Pickup Feels Like

The Slate Auto truck is making a splash for its lack of frills and its relatively affordable price, but it’s jumping into a difficult market.

[astrochex]

^Need an account unless you read really fast.

[Randolph]

Thanks Paul, try this link, it should work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/11/business/slate-auto-electric-pickup-truck.html?unlocked_article_code=1.w1A.oitd.z3P4M1 VmGqyz&smid=url-share