Now that the dust has settled...

[cvollers]

But most people who are in lower income brackets are price sensitive.

Sure but is an EV (at a

I think it's going to be a non-negotiable for me. AWD cuts ~10% of EV range, which is already a concern in the Slate, but I drive enough winter mountain passes that I've vowed my next car will be AWD/4x4

My brother’s ‘66 VW bus with the engine in back has pretty incredible off road and snow traction for a RWD vehicle. The Slate with the electric motor in back, RWD, and battery mounted low might have pretty impressive traction as well. Certainly better than my old 530i.

 

[cvollers]

Tying Bezos to it does nothing for me. He may be a great Logistician* and made a fortune (finally) with Amazon, but I don't think he has the engineering (management) prowess of other very wealthy people who are on the World stage.

I'm not sure Bezos brings much more than just money. A billion to him though is probably not a significant investment and might just be fun money to play with.

*GLOAT - Greatest Logistician of All Time

Keep in mind that most of Bezos’ wealth is tied up in Amazon stock. He doesn’t have billions of cash just laying around.

 

[Letas]

Sure but is an EV (at a

My brother’s ‘66 VW bus with the engine in back has pretty incredible off road and snow traction for a RWD vehicle. The Slate with the electric motor in back, RWD, and battery mounted low might have pretty impressive traction as well. Certainly better than my old 530i.

I believe in myself driving in snow…. Unfortunately caltrans doesn’t seem to agree and requires chains 😂 AWD is a borderline necessity to me to avoid the hassle as a frequent (50+ days a year) skier

 

[E90400K]

Keep in mind that most of Bezos’ wealth is tied up in Amazon stock. He doesn’t have billions of cash just laying around.

True. As most any investor does, his wealth is tied up in stocks. I doubt the institutional investors that own the other 85% of Amazon would care if Mr. Bezos dropped a measly 5 million shares of Amazon stock to fund Slate.

 

[E90400K]

Sure but is an EV (at a

My brother’s ‘66 VW bus with the engine in back has pretty incredible off road and snow traction for a RWD vehicle. The Slate with the electric motor in back, RWD, and battery mounted low might have pretty impressive traction as well. Certainly better than my old 530i.

Really though, a well-balanced car (such as a BMW 530i) with near 50/50 weight balance is best for driving in snow when equipped with the proper tires. Weight balance is key to controlling moments of inertia, which is key to stability in inclement weather. It will be interesting to learn of the Slate's weight balance when announced. But in general, 2WD ICE pickups suck in the snow. LOL.

 

[cvollers]

I believe in myself driving in snow…. Unfortunately caltrans doesn’t seem to agree and requires chains 😂 AWD is a borderline necessity to me to avoid the hassle as a frequent (50+ days a year) skier

I'm pretty sure skiers are not the target for this vehicle.

 

[cvollers]

True. As most any investor does, his wealth is tied up in stocks. I doubt the institutional investors that own the other 85% of Amazon would care if Mr. Bezos dropped a measly 5 million shares of Amazon stock to fund Slate.

I'm not saying he doesn't have millions in cash at hand. Like most billionaires, he borrows against his stock at low rates to fund his lifestyle and other investments. Borrowing is tax-free.

 

[cvollers]

The Maverick is really the better choice when the MSRPs are near equal. And it comes painted too.

I test drove a Maverick Tremor and really liked it. Great road manners. I just think comparing the Maverick (or any ICE vehicle) to the Slate is an apples to oranges comparison. If the comparison is all about which truck is the best value for the price, no question that the Maverick wins.

 

[cvollers]

Really though, a well-balanced car (such as a BMW 530i) with near 50/50 weight balance is best for driving in snow when equipped with the proper tires. Weight balance is key to controlling moments of inertia, which is key to stability in inclement weather. It will be interesting to learn of the Slate's weight balance when announced. But in general, 2WD ICE pickups suck in the snow. LOL.

My BMW had terrible tires for winter driving. I once did a 360 driving uphill.

 

[Letas]

I'm pretty sure skiers are not the target for this vehicle.

I’d agree in principle, but 2 of their 25 prebuilt customizations feature skis/snowboards (ones even called a snow dog! Isn’t that trademarked?!)

 

[cvollers]

I’d agree in principle, but 2 of their 25 prebuilt customizations feature skis/snowboards (ones even called a snow dog! Isn’t that trademarked?!)

Hmmmm…maybe just targeting skiers that don’t drive roads requiring chains. Happily we have plenty of those in Washington.

 

[JeffVA]

Fortunately I don't have to drive in that much snow here in Virginia and when I do I take the AWD SUV. If the electric motor drives both rear wheels and the battery is centered it should be relatively good in snow. May have to swap out snow tires like I did decades ago in upstate NY during the winter.

For you skiers in the Sierra Nevada I would be more concerned about getting stranded like I've seen on TV numerous times and not having a gas engine for heat. Not the best choice if you ask me

 

[cvollers]

Fortunately I don't have to drive in that much snow here in Virginia and when I do I take the AWD SUV. If the electric motor drives both rear wheels and the battery is centered it should be relatively good in snow. May have to swap out snow tires like I did decades ago in upstate NY during the winter.

For you skiers in the Sierra Nevada I would be more concerned about getting stranded like I've seen on TV numerous times and not having a gas engine for heat. Not the best choice if you ask me

Agreed. I really don’t think you want to be taking this rig into the mountains…despite the aspirational nature of the mods being promoted. With the right tires it should be able to get you around in a snow storm.

 

[GreatLakes]

For you skiers in the Sierra Nevada I would be more concerned about getting stranded like I've seen on TV numerous times and not having a gas engine for heat. Not the best choice if you ask me

Several years ago I was in agreement with you, it seemed like gas would be better if stranded. (No personal EV experience). But then there was that big blizzard(?) in NJ(?). Lots of people spent two days not moving on a major highway. Seems like the EV people were fine, while the gas people drained their tank and suffered in the cold.

I think the concluding remarks were that even an EV with only 3-4% charge could keep the cabin warm for several days. And that was before heat pumps were popular.