Extended Battery Gone?

[phidauex]

Well, I have mixed feelings about it. I did go ahead and preorder since the Slate still looks to meet my needs better than anything else, and I appreciate the new lower price.

The pros are that you can now fully qualify for CA and other incentives that require 200mi minimum range, and STILL come in cheaper than they originally promised - that is a huge win that might get lost in the noise. How many things have gotten cheaper in your life over the last 3 years??

That said, there is one particular drive I do somewhat frequently that would have required virtually all of the 240mi range, on a route with limited charging (driving up to family property near the WY border). With 205mi I'd probably need to make a 10 min charging stop on the way and take a slightly detoured route. End of the world? No, but I'm one of those people for whom 240mi really was cutting it close.

As for the supplier, I've done a lot of due diligence on Gotion, and I have no concerns about the quality of the product. It may not be a brand many have heard of, but they are a legit supplier.

 

[beatle]

I think it's a good idea from a production perspective to simplify the builds and have them all identical with one pack. Hopefully they get the LFP BMS right. That's key to a good user experience.

I'm disappointed to see LFP as the only option, but it's probably the best way to get the price down low enough. Howeverf, it's strange to hear people say both "you don't need lots of range for daily use" and also "you can charge to 100% every day" as if you actually need 100% daily. NMC gets you extra range when you need it (trips) and charging to 80% daily is plenty for regular errands/commuting.

 

[EV Trek]

I think it's a good idea from a production perspective to simplify the builds and have them all identical with one pack. Hopefully they get the LFP BMS right. That's key to a good user experience.

I'm disappointed to see LFP as the only option, but it's probably the best way to get the price down low enough. Howeverf, it's strange to hear people say both "you don't need lots of range for daily use" and also "you can charge to 100% every day" as if you actually need 100% daily. NMC gets you extra range when you need it (trips) and charging to 80% daily is plenty for regular errands/commuting.

Some people like keeping a full “tank” in case they have a emergency and need the extra range. My wife is one of those people.

 

[metroshot]

Some people like keeping a full “tank” in case they have a emergency and need the extra range. My wife is one of those people.

I am one of them!

I keep my NMC Mach E charged at 100% whether at home (L2) or on the road (Tesla Supercharger).

Never know if a need for an emergency may arise....

 

[atx_ev]

The switch to LFP means they can’t add a larger one, more than likely. Unless they did an extended range NMC pack, at the original quoted 240 mi range. The price of those extra 40 miles would likely not make sense for almost anyone

and the original 240 was NMC and you would normally only charge to 200 miles on a daily basis anyway. The LFP can be charged to 100% daily so you will have 200 with it.

And yes, you will be missing out on those extra 50 miles when you really need them for a road trip.

 

[atx_ev]

For the base price tag under $25K, getting 205 miles is an excellent deal IMO.

My Mach E gets 200 miles range at more than double the price - so I am quite tickled at Slate!

Here's an option:
Just get the Solar power tonneau cover and you will have extra range all day long.

cheaper to get a 10kw portable generator and get L2 charging wherever you are at. Possible in a truck, not so great in an SUV

 

[beatle]

Some people like keeping a full “tank” in case they have a emergency and need the extra range. My wife is one of those people.

I guess. Sounds like a fringe case. You can always just charge out in public if you have an emergency, just like a gas car. Nobody is filling up a gas car after every errand. At the original predicted 240 mile range, that's a long way to drive before you run out. Wth NMC, 80% of the extended pack is around 100% of the range you get with LFP anyway.

 

[bloo]

I guess. Sounds like a fringe case. You can always just charge out in public if you have an emergency, just like a gas car. Nobody is filling up a gas car after every errand. At the original predicted 240 mile range, that's a long way to drive before you run out. Wth NMC, 80% of the extended pack is around 100% of the range you get with LFP anyway.

Not in the winter.

 

[Bee]

Toughest decision I'll be facing is which one of my children to sell so I can afford it (looking at you Sunshine Moonbeam, do your chores!)

That's ridiculous. The answer should be obvious: which one of them has the better skills to help you DIY some of the Slate upgrades? The others no longer serve any purpose.

 

[metroshot]

cheaper to get a 10kw portable generator and get L2 charging wherever you are at. Possible in a truck, not so great in an SUV

Yes agree, I have an Eco Flow solar battery system that can double as a 3kW EV charger in the event we have grid down event.

 

[Rocks]

Preordered, delivery date "2027 coming soon."

But Slate will probably get to keep my $300.

The slightly less-gimped range needs serious thought before laying down the full amount.

I need to run the a/c 9 months out of the year. My most common trip is 160mi (round trip) with only crap dealership chargers on the far end (Lake Havasu). Something used off carvana is looking better than it did yesterday.

 

[SteveD62]

I have to say if the few things I was going to add when I ordered was the wrap, extended battery and power windows! I believe if I remember, nearly 60% or better states they were getting the extended battery. Kind of stinks that these were taken away on the day you pre-order

 

[metroshot]

Preordered, delivery date "2027 coming soon."

But Slate will probably get to keep my $300.

The slightly less-gimped range needs serious thought before laying down the full amount.

I need to run the a/c 9 months out of the year. My most common trip is 160mi (round trip) with only crap dealership chargers on the far end (Lake Havasu). Something used off carvana is looking better than it did yesterday.

I understand your thought - my deposit may end up in Slate's hands.

I am fluctuating between the SUV Slate trim and Ford's UEV for the same money.

But Ford's UEV is 300 miles on a LFP base truck.

 

[jmason]

Report from my butt: 205? Nice, not that I want to take long drives in a little pickup truck. Just thinking about hours in those seats makes me numb.

 

[bartflossom]

Toughest decision I'll be facing is which one of my children to sell so I can afford it (looking at you Sunshine Moonbeam, do your chores!)

Do you also have a child named Dweezil?