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 drivability will be well worth it.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[cvollers]

I’m sure Slate will tune the suspension for the added weight of the additional battery. I like having the extra range and don’t care about acceleration or towing impact. I will be going that way.

 

[slateya]

It’s great to have the two options. I’m not saying one is better than the other. Just saying that the EPA estimated 150 mile range (70) usable winter range is not scaring off all customers. Me at least anyway.

 

[metroshot]

It’s great to have the two options. I’m not saying one is better than the other. Just saying that the EPA estimated 150 mile range (70) usable winter range is not scaring off all customers. Me at least anyway.

Folks that live in cold weather areas should definitely get the extended range.

I am the outlier - warm weather year around so I am happy with my standard range (70kW) battery Mach E.

260 mile range at 100% is perfect for long distance trips - since I have gotten older, my body won't let me drive over 100 miles without a bathroom stop.

 

[G19Tony]

I will decide at a later day whether to upgrade.

In aviation, you never have enough fuel, unless you’re on fire.

 

[Mad Mac]

"I'll take the model with the smaller gas tank." Says no one, ever.

True, that. During the Arab Oil Embargo, 1973-1974, when there were gasoline shortages, rationing and even/odd days, I ordered a Dodge Van with the optional 35 gallon tank.

 

[Mad Mac]

since I have gotten older, my body won't let me drive over 100 miles without a bathroom stop.

My 1998 Yamaha V-Max had a 3.5 gallon tank. Fuel stops were planned for about every 100 miles, which was agreeable with my bladder even in my 50s.

 

[metroshot]

I will decide at a later day whether to upgrade.

In aviation, you never have enough fuel, unless you’re on fire.

^^^ this is 100% correct for aviation.

The only benefit to running out of fuel in the air is that if you crash, no fires to worry about....

Fuel starvation while in the air is a disaster for any pilot.

Even the Cessnas I fly have the longest glide per altitude still does not make me feel any better.

My CFI said soon he will cut the engine (idle) for power off landings to start my emergency procedures training.