Ford’s $30,000 Answer to Slate’s EV Truck is Apparently Not Really A Pickup

[Mac-Tyson]

https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/fords-answer-to-slate-ev-truck/

Shoutout to @motorolas who posted about this the first time. But I do think it’s an interesting topic that merits its own thread.

Based off what Jim Farley said and prior comments on things like the Cybertruck I think what he means is this isn't a Work Truck. This is a tech focused ev with an interior cabin more reminiscent of a RAV4 than a Ford Ranger or Maverick. If they name it the Ranchero that might be the indication of what this is. Basically a Ranchero or El Camino but uses a Crossover SUV base with a Pickup Bed instead of a Car based vehicle. But that's just my prediction based off what is being said.

But this is an interesting difference and similarities between it and Slate, both are Affordable RWD Pickups but Slate will be offering a more traditional pickup truck form factor. Being a more body on frame based platform, timeless pickup styling, and single can design. Slate will also have a more analog design philosophy with a focus on consumer choice, easy as well as nearly limitless diy customizable possibilities, and easy serviceability (as well as right to repair on almost everything). But most importantly safety and affordability are the most important factors of this truck.

Ford’s truck is going to focus on affordability through its universal EV platform. But this specific model focuses on performance and a tech focued digital experience. The performance is expected to be equal that to a EcoBoost Mustan and for tech as Jim Farley says, “it has a digital experience that no one’s seen— even in China.”

Both are being designed to have a sizable frunk but based off what we know so far I won’t be surprised if Slate’s Pickup Bed is significantly larger than the Ford Ranchero (unconfirmed name).

So what do you think about the difference in design philosophy between these two products? Since we can’t compare the final products yet but we now have enough information to compare the design philosophy that is going into both products.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

My first thought was that Ford is bringing a cabover to the market. Think Telo.

If you think about it. the classic pickup shape is pleasing to our eyes, but is highly inefficient. It's also not needed to be safe. It hurts forward visibility. With modern crash design, you only need about two feet in front of the windshield to be incredibly safe (remember that the big ICE hood has a big engine wanting to intrude into the passenger compartment).

The Telo delivers more functionality than the Slate in a package that is two full feet shorter. 152". I personally wish they'd added a foot for a frunk - just for looks.

So I wager the Ford is gonna be a cabover. Not exactly like the Telo - certainly mucn bigger. But conceptually similar. Front hoods make zero sense in a BEV vehicle.

It's fair to point out that the Telo will cost $40,000 compared to the Slate $30,000. But you get an extra $10,000 in content. That's assuming Telo makes it to market. They're only 10 people with two rolling prototypes and 1/10th of Slate's workiing capital.

 

[Driven5]

Sounds a bit bit, but I was starting to become intrigued by the RWD/performance focus... Right up until he said " it has a digital experience that no one’s seen— even in China."

So like Sync, but worse?

 

[Mac-Tyson]

My first thought was that Ford is bringing a cabover to the market. Think Telo.

If you think about it. the classic pickup shape is pleasing to our eyes, but is highly inefficient. It's also not needed to be safe. It hurts forward visibility. With modern crash design, you only need about two feet in front of the windshield to be incredibly safe (remember that the big ICE hood has a big engine wanting to intrude into the passenger compartment).

The Telo delivers more functionality than the Slate in a package that is two full feet shorter. 152". I personally wish they'd added a foot for a frunk - just for looks.

So I wager the Ford is gonna be a cabover. Not exactly like the Telo - certainly mucn bigger. But conceptually similar. Front hoods make zero sense in a BEV vehicle.

It's fair to point out that the Telo will cost $40,000 compared to the Slate $30,000. But you get an extra $10,000 in content. That's assuming Telo makes it to market. They're only 10 people with two rolling prototypes and 1/10th of Slate's workiing capital.

Slate will start at mid-20K not 30K and I do think Ford’s design will be a bit reminiscent of the Telo but with a crossover body shape. But it’s important to not Ford’s vehicle like Slate will have a Frunk. The Telo does not. So it will have a front hood for the frunk. I do like the Slate’s design but it’s built around being easy to wrap and being a more timeless design which it achieves imo. That’s nothing against the Telo though, it’s an excellent product if it can make it to market. Just two very different design philosophies behind them outside of both being mini trucks. They really won’t be competitors also at the price points they will launch at.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Mid twenties is a promise, not a contract. And we don't know what the paperwork and delivery charges are. At many OEMs, that's two grand. And mid-twenties can be $27,500 just as easily as it can be $22,500.

I guess we'll know in 18 months. Till then we're all talking past one another for no really good reason.

Confession - I'm a huge Telo fanboy. Put a Telo and a Slate in front of me. I'm getting the Telo. But in all honesty, I think that while Slate has a steep slope to survival - Telo has to climb Mt Everest.