Bigger may not be better when it comes to the battery.

[Mad Mac]

My understanding is that the Slate comes with a 52.7-kWh battery which can be upgraded to an 84.3-kWh battery. That adds an additional 302 pounds to the little truck.

Range increases from 150 to 240 miles. So there is that.

The electric motor rated for 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, however, remains the same.

In my opinion, the heavier battery will make the handling feel sluggish, decrease acceleration and reduce the towing capacity and payload.

Because 98% of my time behind the wheel will be local, I think I will pocket the difference and on the rare occasion I choose it to take a long trip, use the money to buy snacks at Buc-ees while I charge up.

 

[slateya]

I will be sticking with the base battery for a lot of of those same reasons. This is not a road tripping vehicle for me. I think the reduced weight, longer tire life, and better liability will be well worth it.

 

[E90400K]

Slate hasn't been exactly clear about the range. It says the smaller battery is "good for 150 miles". Does that mean useable range down to a 20% SOC or is 150 miles at a depleted 52.7 kWh. If the latter, that's just a 120 miles of range if one takes the battery down to 20% SOC. Keep the battery on a trip with DCFC and 20% - 80% depletion cycles is just 90 miles. And that is in temperate weather.

 

[The Weatherman]

Slate hasn't been exactly clear about the range. It says the smaller battery is "good for 150 miles". Does that mean useable range down to a 20% SOC or is 150 miles at a depleted 52.7 kWh. If the latter, that's just a 120 miles of range if one takes the battery down to 20% SOC. Keep the battery on a trip with DCFC and 20% - 80% depletion cycles is just 90 miles. And that is in temperate weather.

The eMPG is measured from 100 to 0% on the currently available EVs.

If you’re interested, check out Out of Spec on YouTube. Kyle Conner and his team do tons of EV vids include mileage tests on most every EV available in the US and some that are not. Very informative.

 

[raybythelake]

I will be sticking with the base battery for a lot of of those same reasons. This is not a road tripping vehicle for me. I think the reduced weight, longer tire life, and better liability will be well worth it.

Thumbs up on your opinion)

 

[BahamaTodd]

Any range estimate is going to be their EPA range goal. So yes, with the smaller battery expect under 100 miles in normal use. Also consider cold weather, and battery degradation over time if you plan to keep the truck for a while.

 

[metroshot]

I will be sticking with the base battery for a lot of of those same reasons. This is not a road tripping vehicle for me. I think the reduced weight, longer tire life, and better liability will be well worth it.

Same here - base battery is more than enough for my daily commute drive.

I have a Mach E and PHEV for longer trips.

 

[E90400K]

The eMPG is measured from 100 to 0% on the currently available EVs.

If you’re interested, check out Out of Spec on YouTube. Kyle Conner and his team do tons of EV vids include mileage tests on most every EV available in the US and some that are not. Very informative.

Yet 0% is not an operational state. Most manufacturers recommend a 20% - 80% operating envelope for battery health. 20% of 150 is 30 miles, 80% of 150 is 120 miles. Public EV charging suggests running up the time curve to get from 80% to 100% on DCFC is improper etiquette (fights break out - kidding). So, 90 miles of range. Less in winter by... maybe 20% (?) so, 72 miles in winter and with the added slower charge rate. On the public grid.

 

[slateya]

70 miles a day gets me 99% of my driving.

 

[JeffVA]

Actually the larger battery and extra weight will help keep it grounded, improves center of gravity, improves handling and provides for a smoother ride. Smooth ride is directly related to weight, that's why nothing beats the ride of an old Cadillac. Our XC60 is much heavier than our Forester was and relatively the same size and the difference is very noticable. Acceleration might be 1/10 of a second slower but this is no land missle to begin with. I would also be shocked if this affects towing capacity at all.