- Joined
- May 29, 2024
- Threads
- 30
- Messages
- 7,381
- Reaction score
- 12,461
- Location
- Central Nevada & Utah
- Vehicle(s)
- Maverick XLT Hybrid
- Engine
- 2.5L Hybrid
Only time will tell.You forget about fleet use.
I have a Transit(not Connect) and it is widely used for commercial fleets for delivery vehicles. Related; a lot of civvies complain about the eTransit(not Connect) only having a 125 mile range, but that's what the fleet operators want*, and they are the main purchasers of such vehicles.
The Slate is an interesting departure from the pickup trend of less bed space and more passenger space, also of not being marketed toward rugged individualists who like to spray gravel and dust while driving in roadless areas and trying to set course records on dirt tracks. Evidently you NEED room for 5 passengers minimum as well as huge ground clearance and 12-position heated electric seats with 5 memory positions, as well as cooling and electronic adjustable lumbar support for your rugged adventures, mainly to go to the mall with your pickup that will almost never have anything placed in it's tiny bed; so why even have a functional size bed?
But I digress. I think the Slate or similar vehicle from another brand will be hugely popular for one reason: it will be the cheapest new vehicle you can buy that is somewhat capable of doing pickup things. Reminds me of my first Tacoma, base model 2dr, which I believe was about $6500 new in 1989.
*125 miles or 200km is more than enough range for delivery and service vehicles in urban areas, where over 85% of such vehicles are used. A bigger battery module would be a more expensive vehicle, and there is no need for that extra capacity by the vast majority of customers for such a vehicle.
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