What is Slate competing with for YOUR money?

[Paul Rodgers]

OK, I figured out where I misread at the panel, for some reason the pair of main breakers are in the middle, 100 amps each.
Still probably have to get work done though, 1-15 amp breaker supplies a GFCI outlet in a restroom, that then feeds another restroom, a back porch outlet, and 3 in garage, one of which has washer and dryer, and another a chest freezer.
While level 1 charging might be possible, and from what I've read might be best for battery longevity, the long term use of that circuit seems like a bad idea.
There is an unused 30 amp 220v dryer outlet that isn't used, possibly it could be replaced with a good commercial grade one, but the location isn't ideal, it's closer to the back of the garage, and even parking in there, it's behind the washer and dryer, and the cord would have to go the length of the truck if head in, or the width if head out, and it would cross the path in the garage. If I'm parking on the driveway, it just seems like that would be too long.

The panel is full of breakers, when the truck gets closer to launch I'll have to contact electricians and see what the options are. Probably have to change or add to the panel, and add a conduit line under the eaves across the house to the driveway/garage.

That unused 30A dryer circuit is your gold-mine!
Just get 50ft or so of #10 cable, run it to wherever you park the truck, put a 4x4 treated pole in the ground and mount an RV outlet on it. Where the dryer outlet is, wire it up inside the box and put a plain cover on it.
Remember to write a label on the cover, so you know what it is
something like "30A outside RV"

If its outside you probably want direct-burial cable.

Now, your EVSE ( the widget that you plug into the truck) mounts on the same pole, plugs right in and you are good to go.

Did this for my daughters Tesla-Model3, been running for years, no problem.
Just dont try for more than 30A and its all pretty straightforward.

 

[KevinRS]

That unused 30A dryer circuit is your gold-mine!
Just get 50ft or so of #10 cable, run it to wherever you park the truck, put a 4x4 treated pole in the ground and mount an RV outlet on it. Where the dryer outlet is, wire it up inside the box and put a plain cover on it.
Remember to write a label on the cover, so you know what it is
something like "30A outside RV"

If its outside you probably want direct-burial cable.

Now, your EVSE ( the widget that you plug into the truck) mounts on the same pole, plugs right in and you are good to go.

Did this for my daughters Tesla-Model3, been running for years, no problem.
Just dont try for more than 30A and its all pretty straightforward.

Likely will have to park in the driveway, I'd have to go from that outlet either up and over the door into the house, or below the door, going most of the length of the finished garage, around a corner and out the garage door. How long is the EVSE cable normally going to be? Charging being at the rear of the drivers side, probably don't want to have a tripping hazard while charging, so probably have to put that post where the back of the truck will be.
But that is sounding like it will be a viable option. Now got to research exactly what 10/3 cable is right for this, and if it's going to need some conduit or something

 

[Paul Rodgers]

Likely will have to park in the driveway, I'd have to go from that outlet either up and over the door into the house, or below the door, going most of the length of the finished garage, around a corner and out the garage door. How long is the EVSE cable normally going to be? Charging being at the rear of the drivers side, probably don't want to have a tripping hazard while charging, so probably have to put that post where the back of the truck will be.
But that is sounding like it will be a viable option. Now got to research exactly what 10/3 cable is right for this, and if it's going to need some conduit or something

The idea is go underground. In our case dryer outlet is against an outside wall, so just ran cable down the wall in a conduit, throught the wall, then buried it 8" deep in a little trench in the dirt outside, all the way to the post. Direct-burial cable does not need a conduit.

Tho sounds to me like you should put the outside RV box on the wall right by the garage door, then just back up to it when parking. Most EVSE cables will be 15 - 20 ft.
But yes, trip hazard, U have a flower-pot-hook, keeps the cable 3ft off the ground for the 10ft to the car.

 

[ryun]

For me it's competing against my current F150 Lightning, a desire to learn how to tow a camper, and cart my infant son around.

My wife's EV6 can technically tow 2300 pounds if memory serves which is a pretty decent size camper. And my son is gonna grow out of his car seat eventually.

So if things go a certain way and a bench seat gets made I would definitely go with a Slate. So we'll see. I'm rooting for it though. Maverick is OK I guess but I'm EV all the way at this point.

 

[KevinRS]

The idea is go underground. In our case dryer outlet is against an outside wall, so just ran cable down the wall in a conduit, throught the wall, then buried it 8" deep in a little trench in the dirt outside, all the way to the post. Direct-burial cable does not need a conduit.

Tho sounds to me like you should put the outside RV box on the wall right by the garage door, then just back up to it when parking. Most EVSE cables will be 15 - 20 ft.
But yes, trip hazard, U have a flower-pot-hook, keeps the cable 3ft off the ground for the 10ft to the car.

Yeah, everything is arranged for minimal convenience for this use. Dryer on inside wall, 3/4 of the way back in the garage, past the door, could possibly go down from the outlet, along the wall, under the door, garage floor is like 4 inches lower than the door, to the front wall, and probably through that wall at charger height direct to the wall mounted charger. Backing in puts the driver's side away from that corner of the garage, but the charge cable should reach.

In that situation, the cable wouldn't even be going underground, still thinking it might be best to have it in conduit or something inside the garage instead of just stapled to the wall. Garage is a potential wet area, so probably still need the UF-B wire I'm finding when I search, which the price points at both big chain hardware stores don't make sense. 50 ft roll costs more than 100 ft, of apparently identical wire, at both stores.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Yeah, everything is arranged for minimal convenience for this use. Dryer on inside wall, 3/4 of the way back in the garage, past the door, could possibly go down from the outlet, along the wall, under the door, garage floor is like 4 inches lower than the door, to the front wall, and probably through that wall at charger height direct to the wall mounted charger. Backing in puts the driver's side away from that corner of the garage, but the charge cable should reach.

In that situation, the cable wouldn't even be going underground, still thinking it might be best to have it in conduit or something inside the garage instead of just stapled to the wall. Garage is a potential wet area, so probably still need the UF-B wire I'm finding when I search, which the price points at both big chain hardware stores don't make sense. 50 ft roll costs more than 100 ft, of apparently identical wire, at both stores.

Highly recommend conduit. You can paint it to match garage if you like but keeps everything safe and tidy.

 

[Driven5]

My wife's EV6 can technically tow 2300 pounds if memory serves which is a pretty decent size camper.

I guess that depends on how one defines 'a pretty decent size camper'. Accounting for as-built weight increase and everything loaded into it, you're looking at needing to be well under 2000lb advertised. If you aren't well versed in towing math, your best bet is to simply keep the max trailer weight (GVWR) under your tow rating. There are only a tiny number of even tinier hardside trailers, and some pop-up tent trailers that could realistically get you there. For example, this would effectively max out your EV6 tow rating...

There's are 3 reasons a Slate cannot replace my F150. One gets towed behind it, while the other two ride in the back seat.

 

[Susan]

I want a small electric two door pickup truck, that I can use for camping trip, road trips, errands to the garden center and just getting around. I don't want a big truck. I only want two seats. I want an EV - I have no interest in a small ICE pickup truck or any other ICE vehicles.

I definitely want the longer range battery. And I don't care about AWD. I like the bucket seats, I really don't want a bench up front. Cup holders and a center console for me.

I would like a camper shell. In fact, when I first saw the SUV option, I thought that it was a camper shell, and was disappointed to learn that it wasn't. I'm hoping that it will be an option, so I can hit the road and not have to worry about stuff being stolen from an open truck bed. I don't want a tonneau cover.

I like the frunk. I looked at the Telo website, but i really don't care for the short front end of the car. It doesn't seem safe. And I really don't want four doors or a back seat. I like what I heard about the Slate - that you can see over the hood, which makes parking, etc. easier. I hate these giant trucks with their muscular hoods. No thanks.

So far, I haven't seen anything else that comes close to what I want. Looking forward to seeing one in person!

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I want a small electric two door pickup truck, that I can use for camping trip, road trips, errands to the garden center and just getting around. I don't want a big truck. I only want two seats. I want an EV - I have no interest in a small ICE pickup truck or any other ICE vehicles.

I definitely want the longer range battery. And I don't care about AWD. I like the bucket seats, I really don't want a bench up front. Cup holders and a center console for me.

I would like a camper shell. In fact, when I first saw the SUV option, I thought that it was a camper shell, and was disappointed to learn that it wasn't. I'm hoping that it will be an option, so I can hit the road and not have to worry about stuff being stolen from an open truck bed. I don't want a tonneau cover.

I like the frunk. I looked at the Telo website, but i really don't care for the short front end of the car. It doesn't seem safe. And I really don't want four doors or a back seat. I like what I heard about the Slate - that you can see over the hood, which makes parking, etc. easier. I hate these giant trucks with their muscular hoods. No thanks.

So far, I haven't seen anything else that comes close to what I want. Looking forward to seeing one in person!

Welcome, Susan! Me thinks you’re in the right place.

 

[KevinRS]

1st thing on my list is EV, have no need for a back seat, and would really be nice to be able to get sheets of plywood without cutting them down first, and 2x4s and other lumber and pipes without having to have them sticking out a window.
Other options for electric that can haul anything at all are much more expensive.

 

[Richard Killian]

Dimension wise the Slate is closer to 2 door Bronco than to the Maverick. The Slate reminds me of my ‘98 two door Tahoe at 3/4 scale. Definitely not a Kei car!

 

[AZFox]

Stumbled across this:
Kia Is Making An Electric Truck For America

• Kia confirmed a North American-bound electric pickup is coming.
• The automaker wants to sell 90,000 units per year, more than double F-150 Lightning sales
• This suggests the new EV will be smaller and cheaper than Ford's offering.

Details are still scarce, but the automaker emphasized that its new utilitarian EV will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, as well as a “robust towing system,” advanced infotainment features and some off-road chops.​

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Stumbled across this:
Kia Is Making An Electric Truck For America

• Kia confirmed a North American-bound electric pickup is coming.
• The automaker wants to sell 90,000 units per year, more than double F-150 Lightning sales
• This suggests the new EV will be smaller and cheaper than Ford's offering.

Details are still scarce, but the automaker emphasized that its new utilitarian EV will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, as well as a “robust towing system,” advanced infotainment features and some off-road chops.​

Honestly, if my Lightning was 2" shorter and would fit in my garage and had a reliable electronics setup, I'd not consider anything else. But, if Kia brings something that is not as big, but still tows a lot, and doesn't have the pitiful Sync 4 performance with CarPlay, I'm interested. (Still getting the Slate though...b/c, you know, golf carts and stuff?)

Also,
"Hyundai is likely developing an all-electric pickup truck, potentially named the Ioniq T10, as suggested by a recent trademark filing. While Hyundai has not officially announced the truck, the filing indicates it could be a new EV crossover within the Ioniq lineup. This development aligns with Hyundai's strong focus on electric vehicles and could be a strategic move to compete in the growing electric truck market.

Further Details:

• • Ioniq T10 Trademark:
    Hyundai's trademark filing for the name "Ioniq T10" strongly suggests an upcoming electric pickup truck.
  • Potential Collaboration:
    There are also reports of Hyundai potentially collaborating with General Motors (GM) on an electric pickup truck, possibly sharing or jointly developing models like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
  • Possible Launch Timeline:
    While no official launch date has been announced, some industry projections estimate an electric truck could arrive by late 2026.
  • Size and Features:
    The Ioniq T10 is speculated to be a larger vehicle, potentially competing with the Ford F-150 Lightning.
  • EREV Option:
    Beyond battery-electric models, Hyundai is also developing EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrains for pickup trucks, possibly including the Ioniq T10."

 

[unusual-fix_0825]

For me it’s the Telo that I am also considering. The size, quirkiness, and total super sleeper performance is attractive to me, however, I have doubts that it is going to get the investments it needs to get off the ground and into production. Their team seems much smaller and less experienced than what Slate has put together thus far.
That said, when I hear Slate talk about the vehicles design - I cannot shake not wanting to be apart of what they are trying to build. A vehicle designed for open customization and personalization that is DIY friendly. They are creating a community with this as much as they are creating a potentially game changing vehicle.
Now - I do hope they have their business model locked down with this single model single trim truck that is economically sustainable for them though. Maybe they are banking on much higher profit margins on accessories but as soon as that comes online I could see aftermarket vendors jumping in and undercutting pricing which could leave them hanging with not enough revenue to sustain them for the coming future.
We will see how this turns out here soon.

 

[Trace26]

For me it’s the Telo that I am also considering. The size, quirkiness, and total super sleeper performance is attractive to me, however, I have doubts that it is going to get the investments it needs to get off the ground and into production. Their team seems much smaller and less experienced than what Slate has put together thus far.
That said, when I hear Slate talk about the vehicles design - I cannot shake not wanting to be apart of what they are trying to build. A vehicle designed for open customization and personalization that is DIY friendly. They are creating a community with this as much as they are creating a potentially game changing vehicle.
Now - I do hope they have their business model locked down with this single model single trim truck that is economically sustainable for them though. Maybe they are banking on much higher profit margins on accessories but as soon as that comes online I could see aftermarket vendors jumping in and undercutting pricing which could leave them hanging with not enough revenue to sustain them for the coming future.
We will see how this turns out here soon.

I wonder how much being an OEM accessory will matter to the average Slate buyer? 🤔