Slate, a groundbreaking new American automotive company, is poised to disrupt the industry with its innovative business model centered on simplifying manufacturing processes and eliminating non-essential features to achieve remarkable cost reduction and enhanced reliability. According to Slate CEO Chris Barman, the conventional understanding of affordability in the automotive market is outdated. Slate’s mission is to empower customers who have long been overlooked by the established auto industry. The Slate Truck introduces a radical vehicle platform designed for ultimate customization, capable of transforming from a practical 2-seat pickup truck into a spacious 5-seat SUV.
Simplified Design and Core Features: The Slate Truck is presented as a beautifully straightforward EV 2-seat pickup, offered in a single, optimized factory configuration. Its design ethos emphasizes approachability and timelessness, featuring steel wheels on the exterior and user-friendly crank windows and HVAC knobs within the cabin. Practicality is key, with a large front trunk (Frunk) and a substantial cargo area boasting a 1400-lb payload capacity.
Unlimited DIY Personalization: A core tenet of the Slate Truck philosophy is accessible personalization. Customers can select from an extensive catalog of over 100 individual or bundled accessories to tailor their “Blank Slate” to their specific needs and preferences, either at the time of purchase or as their requirements evolve over time.
Transforming into a 5-Seat SUV: Adding a new dimension to vehicle adaptability, Slate offers a flat-pack accessory SUV Kit that allows owners to convert their truck into a 5-seat SUV complete with a roll cage and airbags for the rear occupants. This conversion can be undertaken as a do-it-yourself project or professionally installed.
Bring Your Own Tech Integration: Eschewing proprietary infotainment systems, Slate encourages users to integrate their preferred technology. The vehicle features a universal phone mount and USB power outlets, allowing owners to seamlessly use their existing smartphones or add a dedicated tablet if desired.
Electric Powertrain and Range: The Slate Truck EV is equipped with a 52.7-kWh battery pack powering a 150 kW rear-wheel drive system, targeting a range of 150 miles. An optional 84.3-kWh battery pack extends the targeted range to 240 miles. Utilizing the NACS charging port, owners can conveniently charge overnight using a standard household outlet or achieve an 80% charge at a 120-kW fast-charging station in under 30 minutes.
Safety First Design: Safety is a paramount concern in the design of the Slate Truck, which is engineered to achieve the highest safety ratings. Standard safety features include Active Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and the availability of up to 8 airbags.
Transparent and Affordable Pricing: Slate aims for transparent pricing, with an expected price point of under $20,000 after factoring in federal incentives. This positioning is intended to make the Slate Truck one of the most affordable new vehicles available on the market.
American Manufacturing and Sales: Slate is committed to American manufacturing and will produce the truck at a reindustrialized factory located in the U.S., which will also house a dedicated Customer Experience Center. The company will employ a direct-to-consumer sales model, allowing customers to order their trucks online, take delivery near their homes, and access a nationwide service network for maintenance and support.
Summary:
- Slate is a new American EV company focused on affordability and customization.
- The Slate Truck is a 2-seat electric pickup with a 1400-lb payload.
- Offers over 100 DIY accessories for personalization.
- An optional SUV Kit transforms the truck into a 5-seat SUV.
- Features a universal phone mount and USB power instead of built-in infotainment.
- Base model has a 52.7-kWh battery, 150 kW RWD, and a 150-mile target range.
- Optional 84.3-kWh battery offers a 240-mile target range.
- Expected price under $20,000 after federal incentives.
- Manufactured in the USA with direct-to-consumer sales and a nationwide service network.
Disclaimer: Targeted specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change and may be influenced by federal and local incentives.
Source: Slate
AI Assistance: Gemini
