I drove the Slate Truck — there’s more to it than EV minimalism

TL;DR

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The Slate electric truck offers a basic, affordable alternative to modern pickups, emphasizing price and utility over luxury tech. Its road performance and customization options demonstrate a different approach to EV design.

The Slate electric truck, priced at $24,950, was recently driven in Southern California, revealing a vehicle that prioritizes affordability and simplicity over high-tech features, challenging prevailing industry trends.

Slate Auto’s new electric pickup starts at $24,950, making it the least expensive EV and pickup truck available in the U.S. It omits features like a touchscreen, stereo, and power windows, instead offering manual controls and a phone mount. Despite its bare-bones approach, the truck performs normally on the road, with a design that feels familiar to drivers. Slate’s strategy aims to target consumers seeking basic, reliable transportation at a lower cost, rather than luxury or high-tech amenities. The company also offers extensive customization options through accessories and DIY upgrades, allowing owners to personalize their trucks without significant added expense. The vehicle’s warranty and safety features meet industry standards, emphasizing durability and safety. This approach contrasts sharply with the industry’s trend toward “trimflation,” where vehicles are packed with increasingly expensive features that many consumers may not value as highly as price and practicality.

Why the Slate Truck Challenges Industry Norms

This vehicle questions the industry trend of adding costly features to boost margins, suggesting there remains a market for affordable, no-frills EVs. It could influence future vehicle design and consumer expectations, especially among budget-conscious buyers seeking utility over luxury.

Market Shift Toward Feature-Heavy Vehicles

Over recent years, automakers have focused on adding advanced infotainment, driver-assistance, and luxury features, increasing vehicle prices significantly. Meanwhile, the demand for basic, affordable vehicles has declined as larger, more luxurious trucks dominate the market. Slate’s approach revives a segment of utilitarian pickups that prioritized affordability and simplicity, which largely disappeared as automakers moved toward premium offerings.

“We believe there is a significant segment of customers who want a reliable, affordable truck without the bells and whistles.”

— Chris Barman, Slate President of Vehicles

Unclear Market Reception and Long-term Viability

It is not yet clear how consumers will respond to the minimalist design in the long term, or whether the vehicle’s performance and durability will meet expectations over time. The success of customization and DIY upgrades remains to be seen, as does Slate’s ability to scale production and maintain quality at low costs.

Next Steps for Slate and Industry Impact

Slate plans to expand its vehicle lineup and continue marketing its value-focused approach. Monitoring sales figures, customer feedback, and industry reactions will be key to understanding whether this minimalist EV model influences broader market trends or remains a niche offering.

Key Questions

How does the Slate truck compare in performance to other EV pickups?

Initial driving impressions in Southern California suggest it performs normally, with standard acceleration and handling, but detailed long-term performance data are not yet available.

Can the Slate truck be customized or upgraded easily?

Yes, Slate offers over 200 accessories, many under $500, and encourages DIY upgrades through online tutorials, allowing owners to personalize their vehicles.

What features are missing compared to typical new trucks?

The truck lacks a touchscreen, stereo, power windows, and advanced driver-assistance features, focusing instead on basic functionality and affordability.

Will the minimalist design affect the vehicle’s safety or reliability?

Slate states that the vehicle includes essential safety features like a backup camera and has a durable warranty, but long-term safety and reliability data are not yet available.

Is this vehicle suitable for commercial or heavy-duty use?

While customizable with accessories like trailer hitches, the vehicle’s design targets personal use and general utility rather than heavy-duty applications.

Source: The Verge