Earlier this month, Slate’s final pricing model was “leaked” through the company’s website (in the publicly visible metadata with a bold note essentially stating “HEY, YOU! DON’T YOU DARE LOOK HERE!”). Indeed, the Bezos-backed company officially declared Wednesday morning that its new, stripped-down electric truck will commence at $24,950; the “Squareback” and “Fastback” SUVs will start at $29,950.
If you’ve been tracking this story since the start, you’re already aware that Slate initially guaranteed a starting price for its truck below $20,000, but that figure was based on electric vehicle incentives that are no longer applicable. In essence, inflation alone isn’t entirely accountable this time around.
Regarding inflation, there’s positive news on the range front. Instead of the originally promised 150 miles, Slate is now stating its compact truck will provide 205 miles of range from its 65-kilowatt-hour (63 kWh usable) battery pack; a range prediction for the SUV wasn’t provided, but we anticipate it won’t differ significantly. Slate has also successfully extracted additional towing and payload capacity from the platform. You can now transport 2,000 pounds with the pickup, or place 1,550 pounds in the truck bed. GVWR is 5,689 lbs., so with a curb weight of 4,048 lbs, you’ll require a slim operator to stay under the pickup’s maximum rated weight with a fully loaded bed.
Since the SUV is inherently heavier, it’s rated to tow 1,824 lbs or carry 1,263 lbs of payload. After the modifications, the ratio of cargo to human weight remains consistent with that of the pickup.
There’s no free lunch in this scenario, and Slate’s upgrades come with drawbacks. The pickup’s curb weight is approximately 450 lbs heavier than Slate’s initial goal (around 3,600 lbs). Its power output is also slightly reduced, falling from 201 to about 181 (135 kW). Slate continues to estimate that the truck will reach 60 mph in 8.0 seconds—roughly what you’d expect from something in the “subcompact or similar” category at an airport rental counter. Unfortunately, even the most dilapidated Nissan Versa will surpass Slate’s 90 mph top speed.
There’s also no reference to the formerly proposed battery extender; it appears that the larger battery (previously, Slate was indicating around 53 kWh of usable capacity) is being handled as a one-size-fits-all remedy.
Slate has a chance to position itself in the lower tier of the electric truck market while Ford is still focused on creating a more feature-rich truck that it plans to sell for just a bit more. Keep in mind, Slate’s pitching a vehicle with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s relatively bare-bones Maverick pickup outperforms that specification significantly.
In addition to its new-market rivals, Slate will need to contend with the increasing surplus of off-lease used EVs that are starting to flood the used vehicle market. Nonetheless, even before revealing the truck’s improved specifications, Slate claims it has garnered 180,000 reservations for its compact trucks. Perhaps its challenges aren’t so severe after all?
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**Slate’s $24,950 Electric Truck Boosts Range, Towing Capability, and Payload by 450 Pounds**
In the fast-changing arena of electric vehicles (EVs), Slate has distinctively emerged with its recently introduced electric truck, offered at an attractive $24,950. This groundbreaking vehicle is tailored to fulfill the needs of both daily drivers and commercial operators, featuring remarkable enhancements in range, towing capacity, and payload capabilities.
**Upgraded Range**
A key feature of Slate’s electric truck is its expanded range. The vehicle is constructed to deliver a significant driving distance on a single charge, addressing a major concern of prospective electric truck purchasers: range anxiety. With improvements in battery technology, Slate’s truck grants a range that competes well with conventional gasoline-powered trucks, making it a suitable choice for long-distance journeys and demanding tasks.
**Enhanced Tow Capacity**
Besides its impressive range, Slate’s electric truck also shines in towing capacity. The vehicle is built to manage heavier loads, making it appropriate for various uses, from leisure to commercial hauling. The upgraded tow capacity enables users to transport trailers, boats, and other heavy equipment effortlessly, further establishing the truck’s role as a practical alternative to traditional trucks.
**Higher Payload**
Another notable upgrade in Slate’s electric truck is its payload capacity, which has been enhanced by 450 pounds. This improvement allows users to carry additional cargo without compromising performance. Whether for job-related responsibilities or personal use, the increased payload capacity adds versatility, making it an appealing choice for those who need a dependable vehicle for transporting goods.
**Affordability and Accessibility**
With a price of $24,950, Slate’s electric truck is positioned as an economical option within the electric vehicle market. This pricing approach seeks to make electric trucks accessible to a wider audience, including small business owners and individuals seeking an affordable yet powerful vehicle. The combination of advanced features and competitive pricing differentiates Slate in a market often characterized by high costs associated with electric vehicles.
**Conclusion**
Slate’s electric truck signifies a notable step forward in the electric vehicle landscape, merging affordability with improved performance metrics. With greater range, enhanced towing capabilities, and a raised payload limit, it meets the practical demands of both consumers and businesses. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Slate’s offering is set to attract those in search of a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective choice in the electric truck sector.
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