Slate Auto has unveiled its highly anticipated electric pickup truck, simply called the ‘Truck,’ at a recent event in Los Angeles. The vehicle is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and is priced at a targeted $20,000 after federal tax incentives for electric vehicles.## Key Features of the Slate Truck
The Slate Truck is designed to be simple and affordable, featuring:
- A single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque
- A choice between two battery packs: 52.7 kWh for 150 miles of range or 84.3 kWh for 240 miles
- A two-door, two-seat single cab design available only in slate gray
- Crank windows and a universal smartphone mount instead of a dedicated infotainment system
- Steel wheels with 245/65R17 tires
- Standard safety features including autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning
The truck measures 174.6 inches in length, shorter than a Honda Civic Hatchback, with a five-foot bed and an additional 7.0 cubic feet of cargo space in the front trunk. It has a total weight of 3,602 pounds, with a 1,433-pound payload capacity and 1,000-pound towing capacity.
Accessories and Customization
Slate is offering a range of accessories for the Truck, including:
- Customizations and wraps
- A flat-pack kit that converts the pickup into a five-seat SUV, complete with additional airbags
- A fastback bed cap that gives the Truck a unique appearance
These accessories can be installed either DIY or professionally.
Sales and Service
Slate plans to sell the Truck directly to consumers online, bypassing traditional dealerships to keep costs low. The company is also establishing local service centers for maintenance and repairs.
Challenges Ahead
While the Slate Truck presents an exciting option in the affordable EV market, there are challenges ahead, including achieving production and navigating the phase-out of federal tax incentives for EVs. Despite these hurdles, the Truck has the potential to redefine personal transportation with its innovative approach to simplicity and customization.
