Slate, an electric vehicle company rumored to be backed by Jeff Bezos, is planning to launch an electric pickup truck that will cost less than $20,000 after federal incentives. This price would make Slate’s Truck the most affordable new pickup available in the American market.
The Truck will also be the smallest pickup on the market, measuring 174.6 inches in length, 70.6 inches in width (excluding mirrors), and 69.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches. To put these dimensions into perspective, the Truck is more than 20 inches shorter than the compact Ford Maverick, which measures 199.8 inches in length.
The Slate Truck’s dimensions are reminiscent of older pickup trucks. For example, the original 1983 Ford Ranger was approximately the same size, measuring 175 inches in length and having a 108-inch wheelbase. The current Ford Ranger, however, is significantly larger, measuring over 200 inches in length.
Despite its compact size, the Slate Truck is surprisingly practical. It has a bed that is 60 inches long and 42.9 inches wide between the wheel arches, with a quoted payload capacity of 1,433 pounds and a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. In comparison, the Ford Maverick has a bed that is 54.4 inches long and 42.6 inches wide, with a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds (or 4,000 pounds with the 4K Tow Package).
Slate’s Truck is expected to carve out its own niche in the market due to its unique size and pricing. It’s ideal for small tasks such as towing a lawnmower or hauling a few hundred pounds of mulch, and its compact size could be a significant advantage.
