DUAL MOTOR - 3500LB tow Rating!!!!

[Bonjo]

Normally, I'd be fine with one motor. However, I live in the mountains of Colorado, and am concerned that it may be difficult to use the truck here in the winter. I know that Slate is planning a 2-motor version, but it would sure be nice if they could get it together for the launch. I hear a LOT of potential customers who are going to have to wait for the 2-motor version.

 

[lgerger]

Normally, I'd be fine with one motor. However, I live in the mountains of Colorado

Yeah, this truck isn't for every situation. 4x4 is table stakes in places like CO. When I lived in Alaska for a few years, I had a Nissan Xterra Pro4X and it was amazing and perfect for the winters up there. I miss that truck, by the way, which was one of the last true ladder platforms that wasn't a flatbed, next to Jeep.

 

[Ranch3ro 2.0]

Disagree. Not every truck needs to be the same.

They don’t need to be the same. And this wouldn’t even be close to every other truck. It’s about a baseline of functionality that a modern unibody design pickup should have. It snows many places. Especially where this truck is being built. RWD means no forward momentum. Boats are made in the state this truck is being built. Towing an aluminum boat that’s 2600 lb shouldn’t be a chore for this, to the fishing spot for a weekend. Range doesn’t matter, it’s often within 100 miles. But it should be able to handle it. A Subaru forester can. What’s with the fanboy apologetics for slate?

 

[Ranch3ro 2.0]

No they didn’t. The point is to differentiate- not meet someone’s individual demands.

And if it were cheap enough to justify its lack of ability, that would be one thing. But this “truck” still costs what a 3 year old regular cab 6.5 foot bed 1500 costs, but with drastically reduced capability. If you want to make a kei truck great, but then price it as a kei truck.

 

[cvollers]

They don’t need to be the same. And this wouldn’t even be close to every other truck. It’s about a baseline of functionality that a modern unibody design pickup should have. It snows many places. Especially where this truck is being built. RWD means no forward momentum. Boats are made in the state this truck is being built. Towing an aluminum boat that’s 2600 lb shouldn’t be a chore for this, to the fishing spot for a weekend. Range doesn’t matter, it’s often within 100 miles. But it should be able to handle it. A Subaru forester can. What’s with the fanboy apologetics for slate?

Just because it’s RWD does not mean it can’t get through snow. Put the right tires on and a bit of extra weight (why not snow?) in the bed and it should do just fine with the motor in the back. Germans have been driving RWD BMWs and Mercedes for decades through snow.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

Just because it’s RWD does not mean it can’t get through snow.

I drove Mustangs with studded snowtires in Ohio winters for many years.

 

[5ohbrad]

They don’t need to be the same. And this wouldn’t even be close to every other truck. It’s about a baseline of functionality that a modern unibody design pickup should have. It snows many places. Especially where this truck is being built. RWD means no forward momentum. Boats are made in the state this truck is being built. Towing an aluminum boat that’s 2600 lb shouldn’t be a chore for this, to the fishing spot for a weekend. Range doesn’t matter, it’s often within 100 miles. But it should be able to handle it. A Subaru forester can. What’s with the fanboy apologetics for slate?

For me, the beauty of this vehicle is the Model T style approach- limit the options and crank out a ton at low cost. Right now the options are limited to the battery. Every choice, option and feature added by the factory will add weight, cost, complexity and slow production (additional motor control, different wiring harness, suspension alterations, etc.). I’m totally for dual motor, but later when battery technology is better. As it is, this small truck with a ER battery is pushing 4k lbs.

 

[Ranch3ro 2.0]

Yes it’s true rear or front wheel drive vehicles can handle some “snow” with winter or winter-studded tires. But snowfalls of 6+ inches (which aren’t uncommon in Michigan with lake effect, or New York, or Ontario) are absolutely a challenge for any single axle drive vehicles.
This is marketed as a truck, which is supposed mean functional utility. It’s not a Mazda miata 2 seat car for getting an errand done. If you’re an HVAC tech, or a plumber, or run a snow removal business (snowblower/shovelling etc) you depend on your vehicle being functional in the snow. Real snow. Not RWD mustang snow.
This truck retails for the same price as a hybrid AWD Maverick XL, which has the included seats, actual daily use interior features, and 2000lb of tow capacity. As well as an effective range of 500+ miles.
I don’t currently see the value proposition. I understand there is a large federal incentive of 7.5k (so far) but without that, and with the very limited specs otherwise, the appeal (IMHO) is questionable. 20k without incentives is a different conversation.

 

[cvollers]

Yes it’s true rear or front wheel drive vehicles can handle some “snow” with winter or winter-studded tires. But snowfalls of 6+ inches (which aren’t uncommon in Michigan with lake effect, or New York, or Ontario) are absolutely a challenge for any single axle drive vehicles.
This is marketed as a truck, which is supposed mean functional utility. It’s not a Mazda miata 2 seat car for getting an errand done. If you’re an HVAC tech, or a plumber, or run a snow removal business (snowblower/shovelling etc) you depend on your vehicle being functional in the snow. Real snow. Not RWD mustang snow.
This truck retails for the same price as a hybrid AWD Maverick XL, which has the included seats, actual daily use interior features, and 2000lb of tow capacity. As well as an effective range of 500+ miles.
I don’t currently see the value proposition. I understand there is a large federal incentive of 7.5k (so far) but without that, and with the very limited specs otherwise, the appeal (IMHO) is questionable. 20k without incentives is a different conversation.

The Slate isn’t for every location nor every use case. Extreme winter driving may be beyond its capabilities. Snow can stop the most capable of vehicles and ice is even worse. Last March I had my FJ off road going uphill on a wet snow forest road and lost all traction in L4, rear locker on and A-Trac engaged. Pucker time just to keep it from going sideways.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

Real snow. Not RWD mustang snow.

LOL
"real snow"
Come to Geauga county next winter. We'll do some donuts.

 

[Ranch3ro 2.0]

Agreed. It will serve a specific market/purpose, especially if the price continues to be subsidized by the government.

 

[Ranch3ro 2.0]

lol Yes. That accumulation (if indeed it was not spread out throughout the season) would not be conducive to rear wheel drive mustangs, or slate trucks, regardless of tire setup.

 

[lgerger]

I drove Mustangs with studded snowtires in Ohio winters for many years.

An actual Mustang, not one of those branding attempts to foolishly use a classic and iconic name to sell EVs, right?