Compact Pickup Trucks: A Growing Market
As larger trucks continue to increase in size and price, a niche has opened up for more manageable, compact pickup trucks. Ford has successfully capitalized on this trend with its Maverick pickup. Now, newcomer Slate is entering the fray with its simply named Truck EV, aiming to appeal to those looking for a smaller hauling option.
The Slate Truck will be sold in a stripped-down configuration from the factory, allowing owners to customize it with a wide range of accessories. This approach keeps the base price low and lets buyers tailor their vehicle to their specific needs.
Key Specifications Comparison
Currently, there are no other compact electric pickups on the market, making the Ford Maverick the closest analogue to the Slate Truck. Let’s compare their specifications:
Powertrains
The Ford Maverick offers two powertrain options:
- A 191-hp hybrid with CVT and front-wheel drive (FWD)
- A 250-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (AWD)
In testing, the FWD hybrid Maverick reached 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while the turbocharged version achieved the same in 5.9 seconds.
The Slate Truck, on the other hand, will initially feature a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and powering the rear wheels. Slate claims a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds with its standard 47-kWh battery pack.
Fuel Economy/Energy Consumption
Comparing the energy use of these trucks is challenging due to their different fuel types. The Slate Truck has an estimated range of 150 miles with the smaller battery and 240 miles with the larger 75-kWh pack. In contrast, the Ford Maverick, being gas-powered, offers a range of up to 396 miles on a tank, with EPA ratings varying from 21-43 mpg depending on the configuration.
Interior and Cargo
The Slate Truck comes as a two-seat, single-cab pickup with a five-foot bed from the factory. However, Slate offers conversion kits to transform it into an SUV, either with a boxy rear end or a fastback roofline. The Truck’s frunk has a claimed volume of 7 cubic feet, and its bed has a volume of 35 cubic feet.
The Ford Maverick is a four-door, five-passenger pickup with a slightly shorter bed than the Slate Truck. While it can’t be converted into an SUV like the Slate, it maintains its pickup configuration throughout.
Towing Capacity
The Slate Truck has a towing capacity of about 1000 pounds. In comparison, the Ford Maverick starts at 2000 pounds, with an optional Tow package increasing this to 4000 pounds.
Pricing
The base 2025 Ford Maverick starts at $29,840. Slate is promising a pre-incentive price of around $27,000 for the Truck EV, although this basic configuration lacks amenities like a sound system, power windows, and paint.
The introduction of the Slate Truck EV adds a new option to the compact pickup market, offering a different value proposition with its electric powertrain and customization potential. As the mini-truck segment evolves, consumer choice is likely to drive innovation in this space.
