Review video: I Drove the Slate Truck and it’s actually Great! (by MilesPerHr)

[cadblu]

Spoiler Alert: 0-60 time measured at 7.3 seconds!




Driving Impressions:
• Performance: Despite a modest 180 hp, the truck delivers a surprising 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds (11:32) thanks to the immediate torque characteristic of EVs.
• Handling and Comfort: The host is impressed by the truck's ride compliance (5:57) and substantial steering feel, noting it doesn't feel overly light or toy-like.
• Utility: The truck features a 65 kWh battery with a range of 205 miles (2:04, 9:02) and a 5-foot bed (17:20).

Key Concepts & Design:
• Blank Slate Concept: The vehicle is sold in an unpainted, "blank slate" configuration, allowing owners to customize everything from the exterior color and panels to interior materials and accessories (3:55).
• Modular Customization: Users can 3D print or purchase "slatelets" (widgets) and swap out panels, including changing the rear configuration between a pickup, fastback, or SUV style (4:35, 18:20).
• Analogue Feel: Despite being an EV, the truck embraces a "hands-on" experience with physical knobs, manual adjustments for windows and mirrors, and a traditional key-turn ignition (1:05, 2:47).

Manufacturing and Availability:
• The trucks are manufactured in Warsaw, Indiana (12:29). Orders can be placed now for a $300 pre-order fee, with deliveries beginning in late 2026.

 

[Harley Earl]

"Sidewall, it's a thing". Duh (in a good way). The SLATE ride is a big deal for this Cadillac dude. Two rides in and SLATE has ride down. Enjoyable video. Thanks for sharing!

SLATE, The Cadillac of Trucks!

IF Jeff and Elon have a little gentlemen's bet going on, Jeff is winning thus far...

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Spoiler Alert: 0-60 time measured at 7.3 seconds!




Driving Impressions:
• Performance: Despite a modest 180 hp, the truck delivers a surprising 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds (11:32) thanks to the immediate torque characteristic of EVs.
• Handling and Comfort: The host is impressed by the truck's ride compliance (5:57) and substantial steering feel, noting it doesn't feel overly light or toy-like.
• Utility: The truck features a 65 kWh battery with a range of 205 miles (2:04, 9:02) and a 5-foot bed (17:20).

Key Concepts & Design:
• Blank Slate Concept: The vehicle is sold in an unpainted, "blank slate" configuration, allowing owners to customize everything from the exterior color and panels to interior materials and accessories (3:55).
• Modular Customization: Users can 3D print or purchase "slatelets" (widgets) and swap out panels, including changing the rear configuration between a pickup, fastback, or SUV style (4:35, 18:20).
• Analogue Feel: Despite being an EV, the truck embraces a "hands-on" experience with physical knobs, manual adjustments for windows and mirrors, and a traditional key-turn ignition (1:05, 2:47).

Manufacturing and Availability:
• The trucks are manufactured in Warsaw, Indiana (12:29). Orders can be placed now for a $300 pre-order fee, with deliveries beginning in late 2026.

That was a very useful review for folks who aren’t already read in to every feature like we are. My wife would probably like the female driving review even more.

 

[Shibumi63]

Even at 8.0, it will easily be the fastest 0-60 car I have ever owned.

1979 Ford LTD II5.0L (302 cu in) V8, 3-speed Automatic 11.5–12.0 sec

1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.6L I4 (116 hp), 5-speed Manual 8.8–9.2 sec

1992 Mazda MX-62.0L I4 (118 hp), 5-speed Manual 9.2–9.5 sec

1996 Isuzu Trooper 3.2L SOHC V6 (190 hp), 5-speed Manual 10.5–11.0 sec

2001 Mini Cooper1.6L I4 (115 hp), 5-speed Manual 9.2–9.3 sec

2011 Mini Countryman 1.6L I4 (121 hp), 6-speed Manual 9.8–10.2 sec

2016 Subaru Outback 2.5L Flat-4 (175 hp), Lineartronic CVT Automatic 9.1–9.3 sec

 

[Moe]

It’s pretty clear from this review the headlights are LED but the front parking light/turn signals and taillights are incandescent for cost savings.

That explains the unanimated LED upgrades.

edit: the reviewer is wrong. I contacted Slate and they said all external lights are LED from the factory.
.

 

[Orley]

First time I've seen the backup camera on the dash screen.👍

 

[Doctors Do Little]

First time I've seen the backup camera on the dash screen.👍

I saw the blocked view when turning the wheel and instantly thought of a wolfbox rear view mirror/camera replacement. I’ll put one in my x5 later tonight and see if that rings true.

 

[Visualvalhalla]

0-60 in 7.3 seconds. That is pretty nice!

 

[Slatester89]

Nothing here to dissuade me from continuing with my blank Slate decision. The "clunks" were expected and I'm actually happy they showed up in the test. Our roads really suck here so seeing/hearing the road noise was useful to me. Just means I'll need to turn my (streaming) music to 11.


b

 

[FlyHappy]

Too fast.

pre-order cancelled.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Too fast.

pre-order cancelled.

I’m not juvenile enough to repeat the Millennial “that’s what she said…” mantra.

 

[CorvusCorvax]

I’m not juvenile enough to repeat the Millennial “that’s what she said…” mantra.

And yet...

 

[FlyHappy]

I've never heard of this guy or channel. This is the "most relevant" review of the Slate yet, not because of it's positivity, but because of his focus on real world, every day stuff. Tactile feel, ride quality, pedal response, cabin noise.

He fairly points out the negatives of road noise, some dash rattles, etc.

Such a shame that its rocket ship acceleration (with a passenger, no less) has killed my dream for a unreliable, unergonomic, low performace crapbox. They got it so close.

 

[TPL]

First time I've seen the backup camera on the dash screen.👍

Nice catch. I thought it was going to be in the mirror, but I like this better.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I've never heard of this guy or channel. This is the "most relevant" review of the Slate yet, not because of it's positivity, but because of his focus on real world, every day stuff. Tactile feel, ride quality, pedal response, cabin noise.

He fairly points out the negatives of road noise, some dash rattles, etc.

Such a shame that its rocket ship acceleration (with a passenger, no less) has killed my dream for a unreliable, unergonomic, low performace crapbox. They got it so close.

Let my dogs ride around in yours a while. You’ll get some additional rattles. I’ll loan them to you for a few weeks?