2008 Ford Ranger vs Slate

[ElectricShitbox]

I already bought the metal Slate Warsaw sign, so I kinda have to buy one, right?

*whispers*
merch from dead companies is always cooler

 

[E90400K]

*whispers*
merch from dead companies is always cooler

Still in the box unopened. Maybe I'll get rich!

 

[phidauex]

For me the Slate would be a 2nd vehicle, but not a toy. I manage a few properties and a non-profit makerspace/community workshop, as well as my own various projects, so a small truck is a real need - I can't get a Leaf or a Bolt for this application. However, it won't be a daily driver or commuter.

The vehicle it would replace is a '97 Tacoma, which is very long in the tooth, but still running and doing the job for me. I've been driving an EV for 5 years now and don't want to go back to ICE. I also live in a historic neighborhood with limited parking and only one tiny off-street space, so that sets a maximum size of the vehicle. I'm not very price sensitive here, my budget is healthy, but I do want a good value.

So for me, it has to be truck, EV, and small, which remains an uncommon combo. Right now, Slate is in the lead position, Ford EV Truck-like-thing in 2nd, and waiting around to see if there is a Rivian R2T or R3T would be third. And of course if nothing pans out, the Tacoma will probably just keep on running.

 

[Kopsis]

I can see comments ” well the slate is not for you” but who is it for? Seems like only for people who can afforded a 25k plus toy.

Who it's for and who should actually buy the initial production are two different things. I think people need to accept that the 2027 Slate is very much as you describe it -- a "25k plus toy". There's a very real chance that early adopters will be left holding the bag on a vehicle that doesn't do what they expect, and may never be "fixed". If piling up $25k in my driveway and lighting it on fire would be a life-altering catastrophe, I would not be considering a 2027 Slate.

 

[KevinRS]

But what really is customizable vs. add-on because the Slate doesn't come with it as standard equipment? If you want a different color than gray you have to wrap it, but you can wrap any car any color. If you want an audio system, you have to buy the components and install them, but you can upgrade nearly any car's audio system with amps and better speakers. If you want electric windows, you can add them to a Slate, but nearly every vehicle sold in the US comes standard with electric windows, so you don't have to add them. If you want a screen interface, you need to bring your own, either a phone or a tablet. If you don't want any screen, then Slate has all other manufacturers beat on that front.

If you want an SUV, sure you can convert the Slate, but then and with the 84kWh battery (for better Range), you'll be up in the $34K price range, which gives a lot of choice either EV or ICEV.

I just suggested the Frontier as a near-best replacement for your 2008 Ranger.

Sure you can wrap any car, but how much does it cost to wrap it?
No, you can't just swap out the radio and add an amp etc with most cars now, the backup camera at the very least is integrated, and many now have a whole lot more integrated.

The best approach for retaining sanity with a startup is to remain highly emotionally detached. There's a real vacuum of information at the moment. Ford has arguably done a far better job of releasing meaningful information on their "vaporware" BEV truck than Slate.

No, Ford has released hardly anything at all: It's going to be trucklike, but not a truck, will have a bed of some size, 4 doors, infotainment system like we have never seen, be priced starting around $30k, and released some time in 2027 with a 2028 model year. We have no real info on what it will even look like

That’s kind of what I’m saying the slate does not seem to be capable of replacing your daily driver, falls more into a weekend fun toy car.

How many miles do you drive your daily driver, daily? I think that is the number 1 most important thing for everyone to look at when considering an EV.
If it is over 120 miles round trip, and there is no charging at work, you probably need the extended battery. Maybe 100 miles if you are somewhere where it snows a lot.
If it is over 200, then yes, you need something other than the Slate.
If you take lots of long road trips, then again, probably not a Slate customer. If it's only occasional, you might consider renting something fun for the trip.
This is all assuming the Slate would be your only, or strongly your primary vehicle.

 

[AKrietzer]

What I notice is the Amazon Auto prices are less than 5% below MSRP. These were all Hyundai vehicles from one dealer, but I wonder if you could get a better price straight from the dealer. Cut out the Amazon fees. Hopefully it will be different if we will be able to buy a Slate on Amazon, a set price.

 

[atx_ev]

That’s kind of what I’m saying the slate does not seem to be capable of replacing your daily driver, falls more into a weekend fun toy car.

It would be my daily driver, though I dont drive everyday.
Ill buy a minivan to take my whole family (my parents and my family) which is maybe once/week.

I just want something small and easy to park when Im by myself, that still lets me put dirty/large things in the bed.

 

[E90400K]

Sure you can wrap any car, but how much does it cost to wrap it?
No, you can't just swap out the radio and add an amp etc with most cars now, the backup camera at the very least is integrated, and many now have a whole lot more integrated.

Please read carefully when I write. I said one can add amplifiers and replace factory speakers. I did not say replace the radio. Check Crutchfield for verification of what I said. Crutchfield field has amplifiers and speakers for nearly every car or truck on the market.

My Bronco has exactly what you describe, a fully integrated audio system within the infotainment screen, including the reverse camera. In December I replaced all six speakers. I could have added plug and play amps but did not want to invest that much into the system upgrade.

Yes, wrapping a car to change its color does cost money to do so. Slate says its pre-cut kit may cost $500 + installation and installation is easier than other cars. Marketing...