Another pessimistic viewpoint video - "Is the Slate Truck a Winner... or a Total Flop in the Making?"

cadblu

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I'm certain the senior management at Slate Auto is keenly aware that 'everything' is kind of riding on their claim to deliver product in Q426. They presented a very solid business case to secure Series A / B funding. Now to further build their credibility as someone here has mentioned, delivering product earlier than projected will go a long way in that regard. But they can't simply push product out the door early that doesn't meet the high-quality expectations of the consumer, as that will damage their reputation forever. For most of my adult life I've worked in the aerospace industry where AS9100 quality procedures were diligently followed. The general thinking was "the bitterness of poor quality will quickly erode the sweetness of on-time delivery."

Slate has everything they need to be successful. They have a solid risk mitigation plan, proven concepts, advanced pre-production prototypes, virtual assembly strategies, and an experienced leadership team. But the one thing they don't have is time. Talk about an aggressive schedule: they need to stand up the factory, acquire and prove-out tooling; talent search, hire and train the right people in the right places. And they have about one year to get it right the first time.
 
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Slater

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I guess I’m just not a typical truck guy. What I really want is a compact, all-electric two-door—something like my old Ranger, but fully EV. The Slate is the closest thing I’ve seen that fits that vision.

I don’t get the hate in that video. What’s wrong with having a U.S.-made truck, built for the U.S. market? That influencer seems out of touch with what a lot of us actually want.

Personally, I’m excited about the potential for open-source accessories and mods. I’d love to build third-party add-ons for the Slate. An open platform could be a huge win for small American businesses.
I had a Ranger XLT early 2000s… loved that truck. Was perfect size, not like these huge trucks you see nowadays. I’m excited for Slate to successfully launch.
 

bartflossom

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At least he doesn't whine and complain about not having 4 doors like the AZA guy with his take that nobody will buy a 2 door.
 

RevCaptJack

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This one is more about the company and less about the product. Like DeMuro, he thinks the blank Slate is priced too high, but also thinks it should be sold anywhere other than the U.S. I disagree with pretty much the entire thing. Enjoy.

Re the battery. I only have an electric scooter (sit on type). I’ve had trouble with the batteries but have figured it out. With the Slate and it’s type of battery will it come with instructions? Eg. Should I let it run down before recharging.? Is a fast charge or slow charge better? Should o leave it plugged in all the time, like a trickle charger? What will help me get the most life and best performance out of my battery? These are things I’ll need to know. Thanks.
 
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cvollers

cvollers

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Re the battery. I only have an electric scooter (sit on type). I’ve had trouble with the batteries but have figured it out. With the Slate and it’s type of battery will it come with instructions? Eg. Should I let it run down before recharging.? Is a fast charge or slow charge better? Should o leave it plugged in all the time, like a trickle charger? What will help me get the most life and best performance out of my battery? These are things I’ll need to know. Thanks.
Ideal charge cycle for the Slate’s NMC battery is 20-80%.
 

Marty1000

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Will all Slate customers that placed their deposit to buy the truck go for it, if say a year from now the price goes up by 2 or 3K due to material and/or labor costs? In a year's time there will be for sure competition to Slate that could have better product at lower cost. If Slate is focused on getting the product out on time let us hope their production/ manufacturing tooling can be adjusted on the fly if needed to keep the truck design ahead of the those competitors. I hope they have that flexibility in design/manufacturing and can stay ahead and win that race.
 

JeffVA

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Is a slow charge like plugged into a regular wall socket or plug into a 220 outlet better? Or doesn’t it matter?
Haven't heard anything about either of these having negative effects but the 220 would be a better option.
Will all Slate customers that placed their deposit to buy the truck go for it, if say a year from now the price goes up by 2 or 3K due to material and/or labor costs? In a year's time there will be for sure competition to Slate that could have better product at lower cost. If Slate is focused on getting the product out on time let us hope their production/ manufacturing tooling can be adjusted on the fly if needed to keep the truck design ahead of the those competitors. I hope they have that flexibility in design/manufacturing and can stay ahead and win that race.
IMO, $2-3k won't matter much. $7,500 will. They will have to compete with Maverick. If Maverick makes a 2 door I think Slate will be done for.
 

slateya

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Haven't heard anything about either of these having negative effects but the 220 would be a better option.

IMO, $2-3k won't matter much. $7,500 will. They will have to compete with Maverick. If Maverick makes a 2 door I think Slate will be done for.
I won’t buy a maverick no matter what.
 
 
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