Is the cost of the SUV Kit a turn-off?

[thommeigh]

I'm not sure if the Q&A video was the first time the cost of the SUV kit was announced, or if that information has been out already and I missed it. But at about $5k, what are your thoughts?

I don't have an overwhelming preference between the truck and SUV body style - the SUV body is *probably* more practical for my needs, but not dramatically so. But the extra $5k cost is probably keeps me solidly in the pickup camp. But of course, one of the joys of the Slate is that I can order the pickup, live with it, and determine down the line if adding the SUV kit is necessary for my purposes.

What about you, does the cost make a difference to you? Is this about what you expected for the cost of the SUV kit?

 

[Cody122]

Not the first time they have said $5k.

It's not cheap but you get a lot since it effectively makes three vehicles. Truck ,SUV, and open top(rollbar only).

I asked if you could buy the SUV/Fastback without seats but Chris didn't answer that.

 

[sodamo]

$5k likely reasonable for complete kit, but unreasonble for just top without seat and rollbar or if told to buy complete and just remove on own.

should add, I’ll likely get a Blank Slate then either await 3rd party top or craft my own. I’n sure my dogs won’t care which.

 

[AZFox]

I asked if you could buy the SUV/Fastback without seats but Chris didn't answer that.

The answer is "yes". (reference)

 

[ritz-va]

I asked if you could buy the SUV/Fastback without seats but Chris didn't answer that.

I'm potentially very interested in this. A pickup with an old-school truck cap is most useful for me right now, but my wife and kids would never let me do that.

But... what if it's effectively that, except looks like a SUV????

 

[Cody122]

The answer is "yes". (reference)

Well hot damn! I watched that video a while ago and clearly missed the cargo kit!

 

[Soda Pop]

I believe the suv kits include everything (top, roll bars w/airbags, rear seats, & installation accessories). I feel on the high side, but you know.
I hope they provide optional kits. I do not want rear seats at all, therefore no need for roll bars & airbags. I just want the suv top. If that option is possible, I'll have both, square back & the fast back.

 

[thommeigh]

I believe the suv kits include everything (top, roll bars w/airbags, rear seats, & installation accessories). I feel on the high side, but you know.
I hope they provide optional kits. I do not want rear seats at all, therefore no need for roll bars & airbags. I just want the suv top. If that option is possible, I'll have both, square back & the fast back.

There was another post on here that I was reading that talked about a "cargo pack" which sounds like it would basically be the SUV shell without the seats. I can't remember where that was, though.

 

[Bo’sFarmGeneva]

No, it's not a turn off for me. A truck/suv/take the top off open air configuration..... I'm really looking forward to getting mine!!

 

[SparkYellow]

It was for me. Initially I chose the SUV bodystyle. After learning about the price of the kit, I switched to the basic truck. There are no passengers to carry in an enclosed rear. My medium and small dogs can fit in the cab comfortably.

For camping, we sleep in either an old Suburban or cargo van. I look forward to sleeping in the truck bed on summer nights.

 

[Letas]

I'm not sure if the Q&A video was the first time the cost of the SUV kit was announced, or if that information has been out already and I missed it. But at about $5k, what are your thoughts?

I don't have an overwhelming preference between the truck and SUV body style - the SUV body is *probably* more practical for my needs, but not dramatically so. But the extra $5k cost is probably keeps me solidly in the pickup camp. But of course, one of the joys of the Slate is that I can order the pickup, live with it, and determine down the line if adding the SUV kit is necessary for my purposes.

What about you, does the cost make a difference to you? Is this about what you expected for the cost of the SUV kit?

In my opinion, yes.

The Slate is a unique product in the low-price EV truck model. It is completely oversatured in the 30-35k SUV EV market.

Sure, some people will enjoy the ability to convert to a truck or open top- but I suspect most consumers will rarely if ever convert on any regular basis.

Good for some, not so good for many.

 

[SparkYellow]

After I reserved mine in August, I reached out to Slate and asked about an SUV without rear seats, this was the answer:

"Thanks for reaching out, we’re excited you’re interested in the SUV-style cap!

We'll offer a Cargo Kit which turns your Slate into a van-style, which could function as a camper setup, with a topper and divider so SUV without the seats, just what you're looking for!

Full configuration details will roll out closer to production, when all reservation holders get to customize their builds.

Thanks again for your support!"

Not sure if plans have changed since August. The difference between the two would be the seats, airbags, and what else? My wild guess is that the cargo kit will add $3K. 🤷

 

[sodamo]

Update

Hello David, I'm glad to hear you saw the video and enjoyed it. Slate will have an option to add a “Cargo Kit” as an integrated topper that attaches similarly to the SUV kit. It will include a “Bulkhead divider” between the front seats and cargo area. However, it won't include windows. We'll take note of your feedback/suggestion and share it with our team. We can't forget about man's best friend! More details are coming regarding those and other accessories. What are you planning to use your Slate for? Best, Jimmy Slate Agent SLATE Auto | The Customizable EV That Works for You

 

[SichuanHot]

5k is a lot of dough and is a turnoff for me. I could buy a GM GMT400 or GMT800 Tahoe for 5k and have all the functionality and more.

 

[Susan]

Update

​ ​ ​ Hello David, I'm glad to hear you saw the video and enjoyed it. Slate will have an option to add a “Cargo Kit” as an integrated topper that attaches similarly to the SUV kit. It will include a “Bulkhead divider” between the front seats and cargo area. However, it won't include windows. We'll take note of your feedback/suggestion and share it with our team. We can't forget about man's best friend! More details are coming regarding those and other accessories. What are you planning to use your Slate for? Best, Jimmy Slate Agent SLATE Auto | The Customizable EV That Works for You

Hopefully they will change their minds about windows in the cargo kit. It seems to be a popular request.