CarEdge Live: Customers Refuse to Purchase

[D’Roc]

The Blank Slate is entering an affordable vehicle market that's shrinking.

Despite that, these automotive-industry creators don't think Slate is going to be a massive success. They think it will appeal to an older, well-heeled customer rather than people who need affordable transportation.

And and the the the people that really need inexpensive transportation are going to look at [the Slate] and go, "It doesn't have enough for me to want to buy it."​

I think they underestimate the value of simplicity. It's hard to know how many people want a simple vehicle because, in recent times, one hasn't been offered until now.

I think they’ll make it simply for the fact I haven’t invested in them.
Unlike Canoo, Fisker, Lucid….

 

[RobertOne]

The Blank Slate is entering an affordable vehicle market that's shrinking.

Despite that, these automotive-industry creators don't think Slate is going to be a massive success. They think it will appeal to an older, well-heeled customer rather than people who need affordable transportation.

And and the the the people that really need inexpensive transportation are going to look at [the Slate] and go, "It doesn't have enough for me to want to buy it."​

I think they underestimate the value of simplicity. It's hard to know how many people want a simple vehicle because, in recent times, one hasn't been offered until now.

It will take a while for the market to figure SLATE out. They're probably right in that the first buyers will be those that can afford to take a risk on an unknown. However, in the long run, the buyer is likely to turn out to be a cost conscious commuter who'll use his/her SLATE primarily for getting to work and back and running a few errands. They'll have their primary vehicle, gas, diesel, or hybrid, for longer trips and picking up the kids from school. It's unlikely that many buyers will have a SLATE for a primary or only vehicle.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Not sure I qualify as ‘well healed’, but I am older and I am going to add the Slate as a third vehicle, because it is cheaper and I can do what I want with it.

Same, Brother.

 

[Frozen North]

Not sure I qualify as ‘well healed’, but I am older and I am going to add the Slate as a third vehicle, because it is cheaper and I can do what I want with it.

I think "well heeled" is a matter of perspective. You are talking about a 3rd car and list a Ford Lightning as one of them. Like me you don't consider yourself well heeled(rich). However, from the perspective of a 25 year old kid in an apartment driving a rusted out 2004 Chevy Cobalt to a $15/hr job, and eating fast food and raman on his futon, we (most of us on here) are "well heeled".

 

[Brabbit]

I can only speak for myself, but at 35 years old, the Slate would be the first new vehicle I ever owned and it would replace my current and sole vehicle that I've had for about 15 years thats practically my own ship of theseus; the two before that was a hand-me-down suzuki and one HHR i bought at a "buy here pay here" lot for $600. The thought of owning a second vehicle is still very much a distant dream and just owning a new vehicle itself is a huge achievement. Inexpensive, barebones, DIY ethos, very low maintenance and not being loaded with electronics or monitoring equipment are the selling points for me.

That being said, I'm in full agreement that the vast majority of initial buyers aren't going to be like me and have some more flexibility with finances or having this be a second or third vehicle. What is very cool is seeing the wide range of people interested in Slate, from the well off all the way down to those on fixed or assisted incomes and our thoughts on how this truck fits our individual needs as well as the very real concerns and questions about a new automaker getting off the ground.

Tldr; we can only speak from our own experiences/situations and there are still a good amount of valid concerns with a new to market automotive company.

 

[ADFX01A]

Ownership is heading to 13 years now. People may wonder about battery Life ! Of course with the low cost of this, just buy another Slate Truck !

I hoping by the time that my Slate needs a battery replacement, that Solid State Batteries will be economically viable and I will upgrade my slate with a new SSB that has at least twice the range of the current LFP Battery.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I can only speak for myself, but at 35 years old, the Slate would be the first new vehicle I ever owned and it would replace my current and sole vehicle that I've had for about 15 years thats practically my own ship of theseus; the two before that was a hand-me-down suzuki and one HHR i bought at a "buy here pay here" lot for $600. The thought of owning a second vehicle is still very much a distant dream and just owning a new vehicle itself is a huge achievement. Inexpensive, barebones, DIY ethos, very low maintenance and not being loaded with electronics or monitoring equipment are the selling points for me.

That being said, I'm in full agreement that the vast majority of initial buyers aren't going to be like me and have some more flexibility with finances or having this be a second or third vehicle. What is very cool is seeing the wide range of people interested in Slate, from the well off all the way down to those on fixed or assisted incomes and our thoughts on how this truck fits our individual needs as well as the very real concerns and questions about a new automaker getting off the ground.

Tldr; we can only speak from our own experiences/situations and there are still a good amount of valid concerns with a new to market automotive company.

Man, I remember well being in the thick of things at 35…young family, career, houses, the works. You are tracking!

 

[Chucker77]

I'm retired on a fixed income. Last time I bought a new truck was 1995. Spent a couple of years hiding it from the repo man. I still have it. No kids to put in the back seat. I'm just looking for something electric that can leave my garage every day on a full charge and that I'm not afraid to throw a few cans of paint in. An $80k Lightning or Rivian isn't it. I'm not a low income worker trying to start a family, so I guess I'm "well-healed". Who knew?

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

I’m guessing a used Slate will be the right price for Slate’s “intended” market.

 

[d.h.]

I'm retired, but if you hung me for being well healed, you'd be hanging an innocent man. I hope slate makes a go of it. I think it's the truck a lot of people don't know they need. That said, I don't need the truck, I could keep my f150 going forever, and never put anything near $28,000.00 in it ,but I want the slate.

 

[Frozen North]

I’m guessing a used Slate will be the right price for Slate’s “intended” market.

If I remember correctly, that is what Rod Copes eluded to in the motoman video.
From what he said, they know that us early adopters are not the eventual "target audience/intended market"

 

[danielt1263]

For sure there are a few that get it and are at least considering a Slate, but you guys are far from typical.

Personally, if I were 35 and would be at risk of losing my job if my vehicle crapped out, I'd be very hesitant about getting a new model from a new company.
I work from home though and if Slate craps out (both the company and my vehicle) I'll just miss out on a few sailing days while I regroup and find something else.

It depends on your risk profile right now.

 

[OldGoat]

Once some colorful, tricked out Slates are out in the wild it will be interesting to see how people react to them. Jeep Wrangler is an example of a vehicle that sells WAY over it's worth. I mean, so few ever see dirt let alone snow yet it's the LOOKS that drove many a sale. Poor gas mileage, bouncy ride, noisy, limited storage, lower crash ratings. But IF the public thinks it makes them look cool, well that's the Wrangler for ya. I've noticed over the years that both men and women are drawn to ooh and ah over restored vintage pickups at car meets. That's the first image that came to mind when I saw the Slate in the Detroit showing. From the get-go I thought the customization aspect for Slates would draw buyers and still do. I'm betting that once some of you get your first EV you will become obnoxious evangelist like me and word of mouth is still the BEST advertising. I'm one of those that said "e-bikes will never sell". The taste of crow was awful!

 

[meedgar]

I find that CarEdgelive is good in small doses. The message is just the same core message of the car market is in crisis mode, dealers suck but we know better. But what they don't tell you is they need all this doom and gloom to sell their paid for services to help you steer the doom and gloom they overhype.

Of course they are going to predict Slate will not make it or any company brave enough to fight through the rigged dealership antiquated laws. You don't need to pay for the expertise service to buy a SLATE. Even more reason I am glad I ordered one.

 

[Trace26]

For sure there are a few that get it and are at least considering a Slate, but you guys are far from typical.

Personally, if I were 35 and would be at risk of losing my job if my vehicle crapped out, I'd be very hesitant about getting a new model from a new company.
I work from home though and if Slate craps out (both the company and my vehicle) I'll just miss out on a few sailing days while I regroup and find something else.

It depends on your risk profile right now.

I actually feel that, I'm usually a cautious person, but the Slate has me excited!
I have a mobile repair business that I'm currently running out of a 2014 Chevy sonic, so the Slate will be a major upgrade.
But the Sonic will be parked in the barn in case I need it. Not really worth trading in anyways ($1200 trade-in).