$24,950 SLATE Truck News & Info

[El Kabong]

no radio, no roll-up windows

I think you meant "no power windows".

They are options. Not sure how good that radio would be, the power windows are kludgy add-on motors that attach in place of the window crank.

The Slate is for people who want the most basic of appliances - the "Model T" of electric vehicles, I think was said by the manufacturer. Lower complexity drives the reduced cost and (hopefully) decent reliability.

I'm certainly not in the target demographic, I like my creature comforts.

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[MaverickDragon]

Yes but did a Yugo pass anyone

Yes, I was passed by a Yugo, but then I was backing up at the time...

 

[notaz3]

After three years on the list waiting for a firm price and delivery date I canceled my order and ordered a Maverick. I figured after Bezos pulled his investment I would too.

 

[Surly Old Bill]

This will end up with a small, loyal enthusiast community, but I doubt it'll ever become a huge selling vehicle. Too basic for today's buyers, and if you start adding options you quickly get into a price range where a full featured truck like the Maverick would be competition.

the Maverick is not "full featured", but ti does have things that are optional on the Slate. I think the Slate is going to be a VERY popular first car for a lot of people (price tag).

 

[MaverickDragon]

I think the big questions are, 1: Will they ever actually do a production launch, and if so,
2: How long will they stay in business
3: How palatable will the all DIY repair network be

This article asks related questions, but one of forum interest is:
"With the federal tax credit eliminated, Slate now says the model is expected to begin in the “mid-$20,000’s.” That’s significantly more than the original estimate of under $20,000 and it’s roughly on par with the $28,145 Ford Maverick. " The later appears be to a MUCH nicer vehicle.
Considering Lucient is laying off, a better low cost EV option could be one of those in a bankruptcy sale...

 

[Mavl-ous]

LMAO....the crotchety old guys passed on the Yugo back in the day and we are passing on this latest "bargain".

Ah, the Yugo. I bought a Nikon 500mm F4 lens at the same time the Yugo was out. They cost the same...

 

[Mavl-ous]

just give me a basic radio with 6 presets if possible (boomer here)

With those chiclet mechanical buttons, I hope. You really knew when you pushed them the baseball game would be on!

 

[Mavl-ous]

The Slate is for people who want the most basic of appliances - the "Model T" of electric vehicles, I think was said by the manufacturer. Lower complexity drives the reduced cost and (hopefully) decent reliability.

At least the Model T came with the tools one needed to fix it.

 

[gzebrick]

No power windows (yet)
No power mirrors (ever)
No blind side monitoring (I suspect they'll add it one day per insurance ratings, if they are in business that long)
,,, and the price doesn't include destination or other fees (that are often included in comparison to Bolts, Leafs, etc).

If you have a spot to level-2 charge every day (probably means you own or rent a home with a garage or carport), then you're probably able to also budget an extra few thousand over the base SLATE price. The 2-door slate may be too basic for you. If you want/need more seats, the SUV kit puts you in the entry level EVs from Ford, Chevy. and soon Kia/Hyundai. Not a penalty box.

If you absolutely don't have any extra $ and have to stay under $27K or so, my guess is you probably don't have a level-2 charger handy, so ANY EV may not be the best for you.

 

[gzebrick]

the Maverick is not "full featured", but ti does have things that are optional on the Slate. I think the Slate is going to be a VERY popular first car for a lot of people (price tag).

The problem is anyone on a shoestring budget looking for a first car, probably doesn't have at home level-2 charging as an option (apt? Condo?), so any EV, even a $27,000 one, is probably not the best play (a hybrid/PHEV or EREV might be better).

If you have the money for the SLATE as a 2nd or 3rd vehicle, and you have a place to charge, you probably have the money to take it up a notch and get something nicer with more features like the MAV, the new Ford EV trucklet, or any of the new entry level EVs.

 

[LSchicago]

It won't take much in slate options to reach the Maverick price.
Here are your choices.

Slate $24.950 +destination fee.
I'm guessing that you have to really want an electric vehicle.
With a practical range of around 100 miles. 80% charge for battery health and you never drive it to zero charge.

OR

Or for $2,195 more you can have
a real valueat $27,145

Or $3,195 more than a slateat $28,145

+ destination fee

Range is not 150 as initially stated. Standard range is 205 miles.

 

[Bob The Builder]

Apparently NATO hated the Yugo as well.

From AI:

NATO warplanes repeatedly bombed the Zastava automotive and arms factory in Kragujevac, Serbia, during April 1999. The factory, which produced the Yugo, was specifically struck and reduced to rubble during heavy airstrikes on the nights of April 9 and April 11.

 

[LSchicago]

Is it affordable though? That’s the argument.

It will be the cheapest EV vehicle at launch, which by definition is affordable.if you can't afford a Slate, you can't afford any new EV.

 

[tiktokbrainrot]

In addition to that demographic think of all the younger folk who are just now making their way through this "gig economy", living in shared rented spaces, working multiple jobs, etc.. Not many non-luxury apartments have charging spots, certainly fewer would have dedicated ones.

Also home owners. Mine, for example, doesnt have a garage. So I'd have to build one. That adds $40-50k. Many DO have one, but it is as old as the house and needs serious upgrades or a straight up rebuild.

Even if it IS fine, my eclectic service is only 100 amp, and my box is full. So to have DC home charging I'mma need a box upgrade at minimum, so add more $$$. If you dont want to throttle your charger, you're going to need 150 or 200 amp home service, so LOTS of $$$.

There are swaths of old homes in the US in no way ready for EV charging.


Also fun fact, the Yugo was brought to the US by Malcom Bricklin, who also brought Subaru to the US and made his own disastrous car, the Bricklin. There is a documentary on Youtube about him and his namesake car.

 

[LSchicago]

On the positive note:

No dealing with jackass Dealers.

10 year/110k mileage battery AND drivetrain warranty.

No dealers for service. A network of repair shops to handle warranty should it be needed.

4 year roadside service included.

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