Skate truck prototype opinion from Inside EVs

[Maverick123]

https://insideevs.com/news/773876/slate-truck-live-impressions-china/

The writer isn't too impressed by the Slate prototypes they've seen and the reasons make sense

The way they describe it, it seems to me like what should be an $18-20k "super barebones" truck, but it's selling for $30k+

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[gzebrick]

We have a $50 (refundable) reservation for one to compliment our Mav. It's not enough of a real truck to replace the 4K towing / AWD Mav, but instead we are looking for a LOW COST EV for around town trips. At $20K it was on our radar, and I do like the idea of a DIY super-simple vehicle with a minimum of BS (we would add a double-DIN stereo with CarPlay and real speakers for under $500 to our build). We're retired so the two seater with a bed (and maybe one day a topper) would be okay for our use.

That said, we're about a year out from buying anything, and when we do we'll cross shop the Slate against other entry level EVs. We'll consider the new Leaf as well as the Hyundai/Kia offerings (Love the old Bolt, but not going to get a new one without CarPlay). My best guess? We'll pass on the Slate and get a cheap new Hyundai/Kia OR a slightly used Kia/Hyundai that still has a couple of years and 20K miles or so left on the 5 year/60K warranty.

I wish Slate good luck, but it's main appeal to me was the $20K price. At $30K it's a tough sell.

PS. If Mazda ever builds the beautiful EREV ICONIC I'd go nuts and buy one screaming "Shut up and take my Money!"

 

[icegradner]

I could see this being used as a light duty farm hands vehicle, or a company truck for local fleet operations (pool cleaners, pest control, parts delivery, that sort of stuff). The same type that want Mavericks, but electric. For the average commuter, the bare bones model isn‘t likely get them excited, but I don’t think that’s the point of it to be honest.

 

[MidMoBob]

We have a $50 (refundable) reservation for one . . .

As do I. Honestly, I'll be shocked if the Slate truck is ever available for purchase, but if it is I want to be in the queue. Can't say I'm enthusiastic about owning one at this point but I imagine they will be a hot ticket item for a while.

 

[TheShark]

As do I. Honestly, I'll be shocked if the Slate truck is ever available for purchase, but if it is I want to be in the queue. Can't say I'm enthusiastic about owning one at this point but I imagine they will be a hot ticket item for a while.

I've got a deposit down as well. I'm waiting to see how this will play out, for $50 it's worth a shot. It might turn out to be a perfect around town vehicle, depends of course on the price. The guys in the forum who complain about having to pay for such luxuries as power windows should love the Slate.

 

[TheSEARCH]

DOA. 27.5 K stripped lol

 

[TwuckHappens]

I have a reservation as well. If the Ford EV truck comes out at the same time or is in mass production at the same time which they're almost aligned then the Slate will fall off fast. At $20K it was a nice concept but $25k to $28k for a bare bones EV truck with low range it's a niche truck for fleet vehicles and hipster where a kei truck is more suited for.

If they can pull off the modularity and upgradability then it could be a cool project car when it hits the used market.

 

[Alfetta159]

Skate truck?

 

[Surly Old Bill]

I could see $20k being a viable, popular vehicle. They went from saying it would be $20 to $22, $24, $25, $28, and now $30k in less than 8 months. Reality and tariffs, likely.

At $30k, it's not even competition for the Mav XL, which seems to be better equipped. And it's a "new company", so it might end up being another Fisker Ocean debacle.

anecdote; a guy I know HAD to have an Ocean because he was totally enamored by the marketing, imagining himself being admired by his peers (Hollywood film industry). He paid a big deposit months before they were even being made, and a year or more later finally took possession. He spent more than $80k. Less than a month after he got it, Fisker went bankrupt and there would be no warranty or service available for the Ocean. Also, they wholesaled the remaining inventory for about $15k each to some company, along with remaining parts and pieces. Since I really loathe this guy, a manipulative poser freak, I experienced the most satisfying schadenfreude in a long time. Thank you, Fisker. I wonder when Xmas rolls around I'll find out that his Ocean broke down and can't be repaired. Thanks, St Nick!

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