Does the Slate have a spot for a standard automotive radio and speakers? I have to say I wouldn't buy a vehicle without the ability to add an integrated audio system. 100's of automotive components are available off the shelf and providing for it would make good sense.
The reason I have no faith in the US autos is they failed to make good small cars to stave off Japanese competition. The only reason there isn't a HiLux on every corner is the chicken tax. They are following the same path with EVs. US EVs are never going to be at price parity with China, but...
Only if the Chinese do it. The legacy autos are incapable if creating anything other than a few niche cars for the wealthy. Slate will only succeed if we keep up the Chinese EV tariffs and they deliver a truck at 25k. Ford will at best create 30k entry level EVs.
I was initially convinced the Slate was vaporware, but with the tariffs and the US autos bailing EVs for the near term. Slate's only competitor will be a base Maverick at 30K. If they can sneak one in at 27k they have no competitor for 3-4 years.
I would assume fleet, with Amazon being one of those customers. Plus Amazon is a seller of things, so customized parts or wraps provided by Amazon. With no American competitors for 3 or so years, they can sell tons of cheap fleet trucks/SUVs to be used for deliveries, small construction or...