High roof cargo version rumor

[catiare]

Just found this article. I guess this is good news for the people that need work Vans. I suppose it will work as delivery vehicles as well. Its not from Slate officially but from Christian Kreipke, Slate Auto’s Fleet Business Development and Government Sales Lead. So I guess a Slate employee. Image is an AI render.

https://electrek.co/2026/08/30/repo...igh-roof-cargo-version-of-its-compact-pickup/

 

[kotaKat]

We've known that since it was confirmed over on the PDX ridealong reported here and apparently uncredited by some Instagram news aggregator with a lot of the story stripped out, then re-landed onto Elektrek. :\

 

[catiare]

Completely missed that post. Thanks!

 

[FlyHappy]

I am dubious a design like this is market viable.
not tall enough, not long enough, no sliding door possible.
even if its is 15k cheaper then the nearest available commercial "white van" alternative, business buyers of this vehicle type needs specific capabilities, and I'm not seeing this meeting those needs.

I also call utter BS on the articles suggestion that "kits start at 3,000" - any high roof cargo kit must have a substantially different rear opening, as reuse of the cabin glass isn't possible. Manufacture of a new, large rear opening (hinges, locks, brake light,etc) is not cheap. Can't be done for 3k.

 

[catiare]

I hear you. But people tend to adapt to whatever is available. I see people using pickups where vans are a better option. So this will be another way to do this. Also assuming numbers are correct we are talking about 15K plus ongoing costs (gas, maintenance etc) and that could be an even bigger number. As to the 3K costs, I guess we'll have to wait until official numbers are officially out but for comercial customers the biggest saving is in the ongoing costs.

 

[Mr.Mike94103]

I really hope they do offer a high top cargo van conversion like that shown in the picture. Even if it does cost more I would probably buy it. I've been wanting a van for a long while. So I could drive the blank Slate for a while and then convert to the high top van. Love the idea! Wonder if I could convert it into a stealth camper?

 

[Luxrage]

That's exactly the Slate I wanted. Baby NV2500 HD

The bar set for it, literally, is that my work parking garage has an 8' 2'' clearance on the first floor.

 

[RedJoker]

👀(me looking at the current Vehicles listed in my profile....)

 

[catiare]

I really hope they do offer a high top cargo van conversion like that shown in the picture. Even if it does cost more I would probably buy it. I've been wanting a van for a long while. So I could drive the blank Slate for a while and then convert to the high top van. Love the idea! Wonder if I could convert it into a stealth camper?

In the spirit of configurability, I’m sure Slate will love to have someone to setup their cargo van as a camper 😀. They already said anybody can purchase it not just fleets.

 

[Mr.Mike94103]

This is ChatGPTs take on the tiny camper idea. It's a bit wonky but still interesting...

 

[solartogo]

I'm guessing that the $3K starting price is for the square back SUV lid-only version, with standard tailgate and lift-up window, with the high top versions not yet having announced prices, but also not likely to be less than $3K.

 

[EV Trek]

Hmm I made this AI generated one
Quite a few months ago and posted it in the AI builds thread.

 

[KevinRS]

I'm guessing that the $3K starting price is for the square back SUV lid-only version, with standard tailgate and lift-up window, with the high top versions not yet having announced prices, but also not likely to be less than $3K.

I agree, no one from Slate said a high top would be 3k. As far as it not being viable, it's not meant to compete with things like the Rivian built delivery trucks and similar you see driving around. They have been developing the fleet options in consultation with fleet customers, so building what those customers are requesting. Sound like some of those are municipal fleets etc. No way are Slate going after UPS, Fedex, Amazon etc at this point unless they are specifically looking for some smaller trucks for low volume routes.

 

[catiare]

Hmm I made this AI generated one
Quite a few months ago and posted it in the AI builds thread.

That’s awesome. Imagine how much would USPS would save by adopting this over the Oshkosh truck.

 

[br0ck]

They should confirm a design on the squareback and fastback before they come up with any more model options.

Nonetheless, it’s cool.