Article: "Slate Auto’s Sophomore Album Problem: What Comes Next?" -- what do you think?

[Mac-Tyson]

Under $20K does not even realistically register for me for something with 4 wheels that doesn’t rely on bubblegum, Bisquick and old tobacco juice to keep running. Under $25K? I’m following.

Under $25K is probably more realistic. But cars are cheaper than trucks and a Slate Coupe is going to be competing against used cars as well. If it’s possible to land at or under $20K for a Slate Coupe that would be a huge win. it would also help justify a mid-20K price Slate Truck more when people look at the line up. Since people expect a truck a to be more expensive than a car in the market currently. But you’re probably right it will likely land under $25K.

 

[Mac-Tyson]

Slate is going down a road traveled by few, why should they change? If successful, and I think they will be very successful, the most rational move would be a 2 motor version (AWD/4WD). This is just based on comments in the forums and on you tube. Then we have something for the ORV crowd. Keep in mind that Slate is a road legal platform. What you do with it after is your business. When it makes $$$ sense, they will probably go to LFP or whatever chemistry makes enough improvement.

There are plenty of start-ups offering EV sports cars, mini-vans, crew cabs, etc. Slate has a unique system and should focus on that. I feel that once they get to production they will find many ways to reduce cost. The only 3rd variation that I would like to see that makes sense is a longer wheelbase along with a longer bed. As the man said...don't count your hatches before they chicken...

I think AWD is all but confirmed multiple commentators who have seen the truck said that there is space for front motors already on the prototype. But I think they want to focus on a RWD truck first plus there will be negatives with an AWD Slate like extra cost, shorter range, and likely less frunk space. So I don’t blame them for focusing on the most affordable single motor truck for the launch base Blank Slate.

 

[Mac-Tyson]

They have not yet been successful nor yet failed; it's all just an academic exercise at this point. Yes, they have made a lot of progress to this point in just a few short years. But this is a huge endeavor for a group of humans to take on, let alone be successful. Asking "what's next" is so friggin premature it borders on insanity. Let's let Slate get the first Truck out as a real product and into the owner's hands so all the design and testing can be validated under real world conditions.

Slate 2.0 is going to be a design update based on the learnings from how Slate Truck 1.0 really turned out.

And from the Monroe video we do know Slate is already thinking about what a Slate Truck Refresh looks like. So we likely see that in a few years before a new model.

 

[Mac-Tyson]

That little fella screams, "TEEEEEELO" to me, but I don't hate it.

I've said it before....

The design looks like if KG Motors made their Mibot into a 4 door pickup truck. Honestly feel like a 4 door Slate will look more like a slightly bigger Slate Truck than a different design all together.

 

[KevinRS]

I do wonder what kind of safety rating the Telo truck would get with your legs being right behind the bumper? Modern vehicles have crumple zones for head on collisions that that design just doesn't have room for. Also is there any secure, out of sight storage? if not, it may work for a fleet vehicle, but kind of hard to use as a personal daily driver.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

I think AWD is all but confirmed multiple commentators who have seen the truck said that there is space for front motors already on the prototype. But I think they want to focus on a RWD truck first plus there will be negatives with an AWD Slate like extra cost, shorter range, and likely less frunk space. So I don’t blame them for focusing on the most affordable single motor truck for the launch base Blank Slate.

Tesla Model 3 started the same with the LR RWD and a space for the front motor.

 

[5ohbrad]

Highly unlikely, but something boxy that lends itself to wraps but an interesting car that young people would have fun driving and customizing. I’m thinking Starion or 944 type shape, maybe even a rally car form like a Lancia Delta Inegrale, Audi Quattro or Renault R5 look.

 

[AZFox]

Best next vehicle after the OG Truck might be beefed-up HD Truck with 300 horsepower, heavy-duty suspension, and of course AWD.

 

[KevinRS]

Best next vehicle after the OG Truck might be beefed-up HD Truck with 300 horsepower, heavy-duty suspension, and of course AWD.

The problem is beefed up puts it more directly in competition with existing vehicles, and at a higher price.
Maybe more likely would be, though the truck is already a "5 passenger SUV" with the kit, a low cost vehicle that is already set up for 5 or even more passengers. Maybe they bring back the station wagon, or at least a blank slate small SUV.

 

[atx_ev]

If Slate survives, I would expect the next product to be a four door vehicle variant.

Think Honda Element - a funky, utilitarian little thing that screams "I'm a non-conformist". And of course a four-door version of the pickup. Possibly a work van variant.

I hope Slate makes it. I think we could use an ornery little guy building a niche product, acting as a thorn in the side of the big OEMs and keeping them honest.

My thinking on Slate has evolved, especially following competitor announcements. Slate has to capture that "I reject the mainstream" buyer segment. Slate is never going to compete with the big buys - they simply do not have the resources. But they can thrive if they embrace that non-conformist edge.

a 4 door is literally a completely new car. There is no way.

Next up will be AWD for sure. They have already created the space for it.

If an extended bed doesnt require changes to the core frame, then I think an extended bed and a shorter SUV accessory cap that allows you to have the two rows of seats with a truck bed. Larger cargo area etc.

I think they will see what third party accessories are most popular and make those. For example workvan accessories in conjunction with the cargo kit.

 

[Dorbiman]

Best next vehicle after the OG Truck might be beefed-up HD Truck with 300 horsepower, heavy-duty suspension, and of course AWD.

I'd really doubt this is their next move, just based on the battery capacity required to make a heavy duty truck. Cost alone would make it a non starter imo. Especially if they stick with their current styling (which I love) that isn't very aerodynamic.

My bet is after they launch an AWD Slate Truck, they'll go for a small economy car. Whether it's like a Golf (hot hatch) or a Corolla (eco commuter car), we'll see. I bet they keep vehicle footprint small.

 

[AZFox]

Next up will be AWD for sure. They have already created the space for it.

This.

The problem is beefed up puts it more directly in competition with existing vehicles, and at a higher price.

The Truck has a long list of appealing attributes the competition lacks.

I'd really doubt this is their next move, just based on the battery capacity required to make a heavy duty truck. Cost alone would make it a non starter imo. Especially if they stick with their current styling (which I love) that isn't very aerodynamic.

I'm not saying a truly heavy duty truck, just heavier duty than the OG Truck.

1,433 pounds capacity sounds good for the pickup, however consider this:

If a Truck has these​

• Extended Battery (302#)
• SUV Kit (310#)
• Tire Carrier and Spare (???#)

four average-weight American adult males sitting in the Truck will exceed its load-carrying capacity.​

Another benefit of following the OG Truck with an AWD HD Truck would be that accessories for the OG Truck would be compatible. Everything that goes with creating accessories for a new vehicle would be unnecessary.