One thing I think might hold Slate truck back.

[AZFox]

The Truck's (horse)power-to-weight ratio is pretty good.

While electric obviously has a torque output advantage compared to naturally aspirated ICE because max output is always at throttle tip in,

This is an important "feature", Jackrabbit Starts and all....

Comparing Peak Torque numbers from ICE and EV is misleading because the torque graphs are different. I searched the picture field for an illustration and found this:

 

[sodamo]

Not an exaggeration. ATL traffic is right there with L.A. and D.C. as the worst (much worse than Houston, Dallas, Chicago, etc) traffic. The first time you roll down there NOT in rush hour and have 7 lanes and 6 of them are going at least 80 and driving like NASCAR, it's unnerving. The idiots don't signal lane changes, so blind spot monitors are essential, in addition to keep the right foot planted and head on a swivel.

DC and Atl, my two favorite places NOT to drive anymore. When we visit son in DC area I don’t even get a rental car anymore.

 

[Dorbiman]

I test drove a new Maverick on Wednesday just to satisfy my curiosity. While electric obviously has a torque output advantage compared to naturally aspirated ICE because max output is always at throttle tip in, my thought, in the era of modern vehicles, the Slate may feel (or be) underpowered. The Mav I tested was the 2.0L EcoBoost AWD XL with 250 HP and 277 pounds of torque. The XL Mav weighs just over 3,700 pounds, where the Slate is reported to weigh just over 3,600 pounds, so it's a good comparison to make.

Like you, I've owned several pickups dating back to the late 1980s. All my trucks I've bought new. My 1987 Ford Ranger STX, had the 140 HP/170 TQ Cologne V6. It seemed adequate at the time, but I bet if I could go back in time to that truck as new, I'd feel it is underpowered compared to my modern truck and especially my 2022 Bronco. And that's where the Maverick comes in, it just didn't seem all that powerful.

It’ll feel different with the torque from an EV. Our ID.4 has the exact same (ratings 201 hp, 0-60 in ~8 seconds) and in sport mode, is very zippy. We came from a 2012 Tahoe with a 6.0L, and about 1.5x the horsepower and torque ratings, while also shaving a second and a half off the 0-60. The ID.4 kicks the Tahoe’s ass in off the line performance.

I’m not saying the Slate Truck will be a performance vehicle, but I doubt it will feel sluggish

 

[E90400K]

The Truck's (horse)power-to-weight ratio is pretty good.



This is an important "feature", Jackrabbit Starts and all....

Comparing Peak Torque numbers from ICE and EV is misleading because the torque graphs are different. I searched the picture field for an illustration and found this:

Most turbo ICE have flatter torque curves than depicted above, but electric motors feel better to most people because most ICE are bolted to crappy automatic transmissions, and the torque flow is obviously not tied to engine speed and noise.

But really my personal issue is, am I going to get to drive a Slate before I buy it? Lots of people and reviewers like the Maverick. I thought it sucked (for a truck).

 

[KevinRS]

Most turbo ICE have flatter torque curves than depicted above, but electric motors feel better to most people because most ICE are bolted to crappy automatic transmissions, and the torque flow is obviously not tied to engine speed and noise.

But really my personal issue is, am I going to get to drive a Slate before I buy it? Lots of people and reviewers like the Maverick. I thought it sucked (for a truck).

Sometime next year, I may have read early next year, reservation holders are supposed to start getting test drive opportunities.