[Charlotte NC] Open-Air Slate SUV prototype photos & impressions - November 2025

[fuzzyweis]

We went to the tour spot this weekend in Charlotte, NC and grabbed some pictures and a hat. I put down my deposit now seeing it in person.

One of the reps said they've made over 70 prototypes, and when the pre-production models start coming out they'll look to start having some test drive tours too so that'll be cool. To me the fact that they have that many prototypes from the Beta Facility speaks to their model of being able to build the trucks simply and efficiently. Even without a full factory they've put our more prototypes than many other EV startups at this point.

3/4 view, some fit and finish but it's a prototype so understandable, they also said this isn't the final composite material so the base color will be slightly different.

Interior dash picture, I was thinking maybe getting a double din with a larger floating screen(helpful for older eyes) but where the vents and HVAC controls are would constrict that.

Back seat picture, the rep said these back seats didn't fold down and from the back pictures you'll see they're definitely bolted to the rear support, but they definitely look to have the 60/40 split and release buttons on the side.

Cargo area, again fit and finish but it's a prototype. Some sample grill and indicator covers and the key fob, think the fob on the site is a little chunkier looking. Also no 3rd brake light in the roll bar package so that'll have to be added somewhere.

And then the frunk, good amount of space, my current single cab Ranger Electric has a 6' bed vs this will have a 5', but the front of it I have collapsible crates for storage, so that takes up at least a foot of room, this is more room than those and more secure.

Overall I'm digging it, and my wife when I told her they were shooting for mid-20s, even with all the things it didn't have(radio, power things) her jaw just about hit the floor. I think people are underestimating the appeal of a truck starting in the mid $20ks, especially all electric, and the simplicity of it.

-Jim

 

[Luxrage]

Assuming the future owner has to plug in some sort of connector for the roll-bar's side curtain airbags. I don't think it would be difficult for slate to just incorporate an extra plug for a high-mount taillight at the top of that roll bar. And if they have the full topper, they just plug that in instead. Driver should know fast if they got the wrong one if the roll-bar stoplight lights the entire inside up red!

A little weather-proof one like this could just be drilled right onto the center.

Ford just had a 6-pin tucked behind some trim for the OBS Bronco tops.

 

[vin5203]

We went to the tour spot this weekend in Charlotte, NC and grabbed some pictures and a hat. I put down my deposit now seeing it in person.

One of the reps said they've made over 70 prototypes, and when the pre-production models start coming out they'll look to start having some test drive tours too so that'll be cool. To me the fact that they have that many prototypes from the Beta Facility speaks to their model of being able to build the trucks simply and efficiently. Even without a full factory they've put our more prototypes than many other EV startups at this point.

3/4 view, some fit and finish but it's a prototype so understandable, they also said this isn't the final composite material so the base color will be slightly different.

Interior dash picture, I was thinking maybe getting a double din with a larger floating screen(helpful for older eyes) but where the vents and HVAC controls are would constrict that.

Back seat picture, the rep said these back seats didn't fold down and from the back pictures you'll see they're definitely bolted to the rear support, but they definitely look to have the 60/40 split and release buttons on the side.

Cargo area, again fit and finish but it's a prototype. Some sample grill and indicator covers and the key fob, think the fob on the site is a little chunkier looking. Also no 3rd brake light in the roll bar package so that'll have to be added somewhere.

And then the frunk, good amount of space, my current single cab Ranger Electric has a 6' bed vs this will have a 5', but the front of it I have collapsible crates for storage, so that takes up at least a foot of room, this is more room than those and more secure.

Overall I'm digging it, and my wife when I told her they were shooting for mid-20s, even with all the things it didn't have(radio, power things) her jaw just about hit the floor. I think people are underestimating the appeal of a truck starting in the mid $20ks, especially all electric, and the simplicity of it.

-Jim

 

[vin5203]

Thanks for posting these! I'm still hoping for some sort of enclosed soft top accessory for the open air model.

 

[Anthropod]

My son and I were also in Charlotte this weekend and got to see the Slate prototype in person. My 15-year-old has been following the project since it was first announced, and he came away even more impressed after seeing it up close.



The rep we spoke with mentioned that the truck was wrapped in the color they expect the final composite to resemble, but they wrapped it mainly because the prototype had picked up some scuffs from all the testing and hands-on work. I wasn’t totally sure if they meant the composition of the composite would also change, or just the appearance, but it sounded like they’re still finalizing both aspects.



We both really liked the interior layout and the simplicity of the controls — everything felt intuitive and functional. The Slate team there seemed knowledgeable and professional, though it definitely had more of a “corporate preview” vibe than an enthusiast event.



Overall, there’s a lot to like. If they truly manage to hit that mid-$20K starting price, I think it’s going to attract a lot of buyers who want a simple, capable EV truck. I’m also hoping that by the time production ramps up, battery tech continues improving — even a base model with around 200 miles of real-world range (especially accounting for winter conditions) would make it practical for how and where we drive.



We left feeling genuinely optimistic about what Slate is doing.

 

[Dorbiman]

Thanks for the pics! This one seems to have the floors (more) finalized, which is neat.

 

[brian30148]

Great pics! I stopped by as well, but my antisocial tendencies prevented me from taking a lot of pictures or talking to anybody.

I agree with your comment about the appeal of the simplicity. I drive from Charlotte to Columbia, SC for work regularly and when I replace my 2017 Volt I need a car I don’t have to worry about babying (unlike our other car, fully loaded Mustang Mach-E).

 

[TRexius]

I've been there too on Sunday to see it with my own eyes since I'm a big person myself. I greatly surprised about the size since the photos can be quite deceiving.
I talked the representative about it and i was bummed they did not do a showcase in Raleigh but assured me is the talks, lets just hope they keep showing this incredible truck in the East Coast.

The Frunk had actual space for once too having a two door jeep makes me miss having space for different things.