Now that the dust has settled...

[TRP]

I still think if an owner can't charge at home the usable range of just 90 miles and having to wait 30 minutes to recharge to 80% SOC on the public infrastructure is going to not play well for some of the Slate's lower income target market.

I don't go to my local Sheets to plug my phone in to charge it for an hour.

If you have no way to change at home then perhaps a BEV is not the best choice for you.

Unfortunately that's just the facts at this time in history. When/if apartments and condos start adding Level 2 charge stations it will be better. Until then..........I personally would not like to rely on public charging as my sole means of charging my car

 

[cvollers]

I still think if an owner can't charge at home the usable range of just 90 miles and having to wait 30 minutes to recharge to 80% SOC on the public infrastructure is going to not play well for some of the Slate's lower income target market.

I don't go to my local Sheets to plug my phone in to charge it for an hour.

Has Slate said even once that their target is low income consumers? Just because the cost is low, does not mean the target is low income. I think their target is people who are fiscally conservative and want a low cost second vehicle or small business owners who are always looking for ways to save money.

 

[Letas]

Has Slate said even once that their target is low income consumers? Just because the cost is low, does not mean the target is low income. I think their target is people who are fiscally conservative and want a low cost second vehicle or small business owners who are always looking for ways to save money.

I think it is a tough sell to say it is not intended for lower income consumers. Porsche doesn't say their cars are for financially irresponsible consumers with strong lending power. This is the only product the company is selling, they need to sell as many as possible to be successful.

 

[cvollers]

I think it is a tough sell to say it is not intended for lower income consumers. Porsche doesn't say their cars are for financially irresponsible consumers with strong lending power. This is the only product the company is selling, they need to sell as many as possible to be successful.

Porsche is for price insensitive buyers who appreciate the quality of engineering, driving dynamics, and features that goes into the Porsche product. My point is that you don’t have to be low income to be price sensitive.

 

[Letas]

But most people who are in lower income brackets are price sensitive.

Exactly. “We are going to create a car that goes against the grain and is affordable to the masses”

but

it won’t be suitable for the masses….

 

[Sojourner]

Really wish they would’ve offered a AWD/4x4 option with reasonable range.

^^^ This ^^^

Hopefully, that will be an early announcement once vehicles start going out the door. That's why I'm waiting....

Queue Dusty Springfield....

 

[cadblu]

Folks who own high end luxury or sports cars will still appreciate the simplicity and value engineering that Slate promises. The real issue is Slate may never actually deliver on the promise. A lot can change in the next 2-3 years with new EV offerings at very attractive prices that will enter the market. Even with Bezos' limited backing, Slate may not raise the astronomical capital required to startup a production facility in that timeframe. Sure, they found a ghost facility in Warsaw Indiana but that will need close to $1B in renovations and new tooling to make this happen. We must consider this is still a startup venture with too many unknowns in the near future. My sad prediction is that Slate will not be available for ordering until mid 2028 or beyond, then in limited quantities. Yes, my reservation is in.... and in fact I have many...

 

[Letas]

^^^ This ^^^

Hopefully, that will be an early announcement once vehicles start going out the door. That's why I'm waiting....

Queue Dusty Springfield....

I think it's going to be a non-negotiable for me. AWD cuts ~10% of EV range, which is already a concern in the Slate, but I drive enough winter mountain passes that I've vowed my next car will be AWD/4x4

 

[cvollers]

But most people who are in lower income brackets are price sensitive.

Sure but is an EV (at a

I think it's going to be a non-negotiable for me. AWD cuts ~10% of EV range, which is already a concern in the Slate, but I drive enough winter mountain passes that I've vowed my next car will be AWD/4x4

My brother’s ‘66 VW bus with the engine in back has pretty incredible off road and snow traction for a RWD vehicle. The Slate with the electric motor in back, RWD, and battery mounted low might have pretty impressive traction as well. Certainly better than my old 530i.

 

[cvollers]

Tying Bezos to it does nothing for me. He may be a great Logistician* and made a fortune (finally) with Amazon, but I don't think he has the engineering (management) prowess of other very wealthy people who are on the World stage.

I'm not sure Bezos brings much more than just money. A billion to him though is probably not a significant investment and might just be fun money to play with.

*GLOAT - Greatest Logistician of All Time

Keep in mind that most of Bezos’ wealth is tied up in Amazon stock. He doesn’t have billions of cash just laying around.

 

[Letas]

Sure but is an EV (at a

My brother’s ‘66 VW bus with the engine in back has pretty incredible off road and snow traction for a RWD vehicle. The Slate with the electric motor in back, RWD, and battery mounted low might have pretty impressive traction as well. Certainly better than my old 530i.

I believe in myself driving in snow…. Unfortunately caltrans doesn’t seem to agree and requires chains 😂 AWD is a borderline necessity to me to avoid the hassle as a frequent (50+ days a year) skier

 

[cvollers]

I believe in myself driving in snow…. Unfortunately caltrans doesn’t seem to agree and requires chains 😂 AWD is a borderline necessity to me to avoid the hassle as a frequent (50+ days a year) skier

I'm pretty sure skiers are not the target for this vehicle.

 

[cvollers]

True. As most any investor does, his wealth is tied up in stocks. I doubt the institutional investors that own the other 85% of Amazon would care if Mr. Bezos dropped a measly 5 million shares of Amazon stock to fund Slate.

I'm not saying he doesn't have millions in cash at hand. Like most billionaires, he borrows against his stock at low rates to fund his lifestyle and other investments. Borrowing is tax-free.

 

[cvollers]

The Maverick is really the better choice when the MSRPs are near equal. And it comes painted too.

I test drove a Maverick Tremor and really liked it. Great road manners. I just think comparing the Maverick (or any ICE vehicle) to the Slate is an apples to oranges comparison. If the comparison is all about which truck is the best value for the price, no question that the Maverick wins.

 

[cvollers]

Really though, a well-balanced car (such as a BMW 530i) with near 50/50 weight balance is best for driving in snow when equipped with the proper tires. Weight balance is key to controlling moments of inertia, which is key to stability in inclement weather. It will be interesting to learn of the Slate's weight balance when announced. But in general, 2WD ICE pickups suck in the snow. LOL.

My BMW had terrible tires for winter driving. I once did a 360 driving uphill.