Poll: Does the release of Fathom price and info affect your Slate decision?

[Nivek]

Although there is still much to learn, I could see how the release of Ford Fathom price and info could affect some decisions. So lets get in front of it and take an early poll. If you're a maybe, let's tell Slate what we would need to solidify our decision.

 

[coregrind]

The Ford is lacking critical info. The Slate is also lacking critical info.

 

[Nivek]

The Ford is lacking critical info. The Slate is also lacking critical info.

Let's try to help Slate out... what info do you need?

 

[Harley Earl]

Nope, all in SLATE. Right to Repair, Stealership and previous Ford experience. Still wish them well. What is being learned from SLATE is a gift to all the OEMs. Let's hope they are listening.

 

[Nivek]

For me, I need to see the utility of the SUV with the seats down. What all can you still fit? I also need to see how easy it is to remove or install the SUV top.

Edit: If Slate would be so kind as to offer a jump seat I will probably forgo the SUV kit altogether and push me back in the firm buy (right now I'm a soft buy)

 

[ElectricShitbox]

I'm sure the Fathom will have plenty of success, and I'm sure it will eat into Slate sales. But I'm still looking for a small utilitarian EV that will have a long life through repairability or at least parts availability. The Fathom is an EV, and probably utilitarian enough, but doesn't hit any of the other marks for me. With the interior space of a rav4 and at least a 4 foot bed, it's going to be at least 3 feet longer than the Slate, which is a no-go for me.

 

[slate808]

I might add that the Fathom will likely eat into Maverick sales. I have no personal experience with any Ford vehicle other than occasional rental vehicles but I know plenty Ford owners who complain about their experience.

 

[kvermeer]

Let's try to help Slate out... what info do you need?

I want to see Slate publish all the docs for Slate U.

We know the Ford requires a $1450 annual subscription to read their full diagnostics software system and reset anything beyond the basic OBDII codes. We can expect that the user manual in the Ford will say "Take it to your friendly* local Ford dealer" for anything more complicated than a tire rotation (and even then...).

Slate's said they support right to repair, and long before there are any trucks in customer hands, they can prove that.

 

[The Weatherman]

I might add that the Fathom will likely eat into Maverick sales. I have no personal experience with any Ford vehicle other than occasional rental vehicles but I know plenty Ford owners who complain about their experience.

I think you are correct about cutting into Maverick sales.

I owned the early 2022 which arrived in Nov 2021 and after the Lightning came out I wanted an electric Maverick. I would had hoped the 2025 would be electric, but alas it didn’t happen and ended up a Lightning instead.

I really liked the size and comfort of the Maverick and would have definitely moved the electric version. I’m pretty average so I assume there are a number of Maverick owners that will give this Fathom a strong look.

 

[sidneyhornblower]

I'd say the announcement of Ford's truck is proof that Slate is right to be doing what they're doing. If there is truly no market for small economical pickup trucks, then Ford wouldn't be trying like hell to enter that market, would they? I see these Ford vaporware public utterances as a desperate shot at keeping Slate from gaining traction until Ford can get their act together.

Sorry, but they had their shot with the Maverick and, in my opinion, screwed it up. I got excited about the Maverick a few years ago, but my ardor cooled when the costs started mounting. By the time I got in one for a test-drive the Maverick was revealed as another over-optioned, over-priced, over-large pickup in a market filled with the same.

Slate is different. Ford is scared. Go Slate.

 

[metroshot]

Yup, jumping ship!

Love my Ford Mach E so I will now focus on the Ford Fathom.

Losing $300 to learn a lot from all of you has been fun!>

 

[KevinRS]

Yup, jumping ship!

Love my Ford Mach E so I will now focus on the Ford Fathom.

Losing $300 to learn a lot from all of you has been fun!>

I really don't understand jumping ship just yet, not like you can get the $300 back. What if the Fathom is delayed, price increases, specs don't turn out to be what you thought?
I'd keep Slate in mind as a backup and leave the preorder active at least until Slate offers to have you make it an actual order.

 

[coregrind]

Let's try to help Slate out... what info do you need?

The content for Slate U is a starter. So far, the one vid released was of high quality. However, the task was on the same level as license plate installation. I want to see into the guts of this thing. The Right To Repair is great, if the required info is readily available and for free use. That by no means has been proven to be the case.
I have a long list of other info I'm 'dying' to learn the details. If Slate really wants my help, they can invite me to a focus group.

 

[metroshot]

I really don't understand jumping ship just yet, not like you can get the $300 back. What if the Fathom is delayed, price increases, specs don't turn out to be what you thought?
I'd keep Slate in mind as a backup and leave the preorder active at least until Slate offers to have you make it an actual order.

Good thinking!
Thanks - I will keep the Slate channel open.

Was really hoping to test drive it and find out if it will be my daily driver.

If Slate changes any specs or pricing when production starts, I can ask for the $300 back...

 

[Slatester89]

I voted "maybe" but not because of the price announcement or capabilities. I knew it was going to be under $30k and have more options than the Blank.

The maybe is directed to it being a fallback if the Slate is a POS and first buyers report same during early 2027/my wait period. If Blank is a POS, I'll jump ship. This aint no death-pact.

b.