The competitive landscape of the electric vehicle sector is becoming increasingly fierce as new player steps into the field: the Slate EV, which is supported by none other than Jeff Bezos. This budget-friendly electric pickup is set to assert its presence in the market. The impending question is: how exactly does the Slate stand out among its competitors?
The Slate EV is essentially a versatile, two-door electric pickup that can cleverly convert into an SUV. This remarkable vehicle took shape in the design studios of California and Michigan, and then it was brought to life on production lines in the midwest, with all parts sourced from within US borders, as confirmed by Slate representatives.
The financial outlay for a brand-new Slate EV is impressive – approximately $20,000, a significant price drop when compared to the Rivian R2 or Tesla’s acclaimed Model 3, both of which hover around the $40,000 mark. The relatively modest investment yields a host of features, making it a value proposition that is hard to ignore.
Included in the $20,000 price tag is a 150KW rear-mounted single-motor powertrain. A standard battery pack accompanies this, equipped with the potential to cover an estimate of 150 miles on a single charge. And if you need some utility in your life, the vehicle features a five-foot truck bed as well.
Complementing these features are driver-assist technologies such as a backup camera and a forward collision warning system. These functionalities significantly augment your driving experience, keeping you safer while traversing the roads.
The Slate’s standard battery pack offers the convenience of getting fully charged in around eight hours. However, if time is of the essence, there’s a quick charge option as well. It advantageously powers up the battery to 80% of its capacity in as little as 30 minutes, ensuring you spend more time on road than at charging stations.
Despite the attractive price point, the Slate EV does come with some caveats. For instance, the vehicle shuns some of the bells and whistles that come with luxury electric cars. While some may value them, the Slate EV veers towards the basics, stripping back on the in-car technology to keep costs down.
A key omission in the Slate’s feature set is a built-in infotainment system. Uniquely, the Slate EV does not offer any infotainment panel or Bluetooth connectivity. Consequently, if it’s in-car entertainment you’re after, you’ll need to rely on your personal gadgets.
Staying true to its simplified approach, the Slate encourages occupants to utilize their own devices for entertainment purposes during their journey. Mounts have been thoughtfully integrated into the vehicle’s design to securely hold your cellphone, tablet, or portable Bluetooth speaker.
While its lack of a traditional infotainment system might seem out of place in today’s EV market, the vehicle’s design is an innovative response to changing user habits. Unlike other EVs, Slate hasn’t integrated Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, reflecting a design ethos prioritizing user flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Sizing up the Slate, the vehicle is comparable in dimensions to a 1985 Toyota SR5 Pickup – considerably smaller than a Chevrolet Silverado EV. Its compact presence, according to Slate officials, holds its appeal in urban surroundings or for those who prefer a smaller automobile footprint.
$50 is all it takes to reserve your very own Slate EV, underlining the manufacturer’s ambition to make electric driving accessible to a wider audience. However, potential customers should note that leasing options will not be made available at the launch.
The exact launch date for the Slate EV remains a mystery for now. Although the company states that you’ll receive the vehicle straight at your doorstep once it rolls off the production line, they have remained tight-lipped about the precise date when these new EVs will be ready for customers.