Preordered and now having second thoughts...anyone else?

[Auer]

But I get that a combination of fleet + standard consumer sales + leases might total up to 150k

Possible.

In this case tho, projecting overly optimisticly is part of the game and doesnt really mean much at this stage.

Its simply language.

 

[Goodyear]

The possibility of Slate breaking even financially with 80k units sold annually is hopeful but will still be a stretch unless there is significant commercial demand. I assume you don’t invest a couple billion dollars unless you have some extensive market research. They will get there if the product is good (performs well, is reliable, comfortable and safe to drive) and can maintain its price targets. Comparing their goals to current total Asian market sales of BEV light trucks which are priced similarly (180k total across all Asian markets), it is an aggressive goal to hit 150k units a year. They will definitely sell significant numbers in California, Florida and Texas. Sales in The cold weather states may end up being the determining factor.

 

[KevinRS]

1. It's a low cost EV truck. Likely to have an appeal outside of those already buying EVs, and a whole separate market for fleets and businesses.
2. Even that Hyndai Ionic has a 35k starting MSRP, and dealers local to me only have it starting at about $40k. Actually looks like that's in transit, the ones at the dealer have like 2k more in dealer options installed.

 

[DinoLord]

Let me put 150,000 sales in perspective for you. In calendar year 2025, when there were three quarters of $7,500 tax credits, GM sold ~170,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and ĞMC battery electric vehicles. Those sales have tanked in 2026.

Equinox started at like 35k. Bolt didn't come around until late in the year. But yes, 150,000 is a very, very lofty goal.

 

[KevinRS]

Equinox started at like 35k. Bolt didn't come around until late in the year. But yes, 150,000 is a very, very lofty goal.

150,000 is basically a limit. If they reach that, and sustain it, they have to build another factory.

 

[calamari]

[...] However, I live in Texas, were the sun resigns me to either a fairly dull wrap job, or having to dish out $$ every few year to replace a faded wrap. I wouldn't even have to consider that hassle if I was buying something with a flashy, long lasting paint job from the factory

I wish they had gone with a white base color for that reason (without paying $500+500 install for a wrap). Had a silver car and it was a lot warmer in summer than my current white one. I've read that with special primer and some scuffing that it's possible to paint plastic. It might look a little odd, but painting the top of the cab white might help a little in the summer.

 

[AZFox]

150,000 is basically a limit. If they reach that, and sustain it, they have to build another factory.

or raise the price. 😧

 

[cadblu]

In the Motoman interview with Rod Copes (Slate Chairman of the Board), Rod said that Slate doesn't actually see their target market "buying" Slates. He sees leasing as the key to unlocking an untapped market. Slate's low initial cost combined with simple reliable design could result in high residuals that would allow lease rates competitive with total cost of ownership of a cheap used car.

There's tons of speculation on residuals in this thread so no need to rehash it all here. But it does suggest that if you're thinking about Slate's viability only in terms of the traditional automotive sales strategies, you may not be seeing all the opportunities.

If leasing customers are targeted to be their next big 'untapped market,' kind of makes me wonder why leasing isn't available out of the gate. I understand that Slate is waiting to determine residual values before leasing is offered, but there are some rational estimates that may be used.

If I was running a small business and needed, say, a fleet of 5 Slates, I would be all over a business lease NOW. And if the Slates proves to be a problem-free vehicle, in three years when the lease is up, I will then sign a new lease another 5 Slates. Now you have a constant turnover of leases, and the lease returns can be put up for sale as used vehicles. On such a low-cost vehicle, in three years I would expect depreciation of ~$5K so a residual of $20K makes sense. This, combined with standard leasing fees provides a steady cash flow for Slate.

 

[Moe]

Modified lease vehicles are owned by a bank/finance company and have to be returned to stock condition before turn in—no vinyl or PPF, aftermarket wheels replaced with originals, etc. That doesn’t seem to be a good fit for the Slate’s paradigm unless one stores all the original parts and DIY or pay someone to reinstall them.

 

[Rocks]

If leasing customers are targeted to be their next big 'untapped market,' kind of makes me wonder why leasing isn't available out of the gate.

We're not at the gate yet. It might not have been in the initial stategy, so they're having to pull something together.

 

[cadblu]

Modified lease vehicles are owned by a bank/finance company and have to be returned to stock condition before turn in—no vinyl or PPF, aftermarket wheels replaced with originals, etc. That doesn’t seem to be a good fit for the Slate’s paradigm unless one stores all the original parts and DIY or pay someone to reinstall them.

Got it, so if customization is your thing, leasing is not for you. Purchasing a Slate (finance or cash) gives you full control over customization, and leasing means NO modifications for the entire lease term. As long as that's disclosed up front, that shouldn't be an issue. Maybe just a few business decals that remove easily, and not a full vinyl or PPF wrap. Keeping in mind the lease contract typically has a mileage limit, so some wear on tires, brakes, and the seats should be considered acceptable.

 

[SlaterTot]

If leasing customers are targeted to be their next big 'untapped market,' kind of makes me wonder why leasing isn't available out of the gate.

In the interview they discusses that leasing prices are based on depreciation value of the car, so you have to wait a year at least to start collecting that data before you can start a leasing program.

 

[Moe]

leasing means NO modifications for the entire lease term.

I wouldn’t go that far. As long as you keep and reinstall the originals, some customization with light covers, grill, etc would be possible.

 

[Kopsis]

I understand that Slate is waiting to determine residual values before leasing is offered, but there are some rational estimates that may be used.

Like all loans, leases have underwriters providing the funds to actually purchase the vehicle. Lease underwriters are notoriously risk-averse and aren't big on "rational estimates" from a startup with no track record. An overestimated residual will cost underwriters money, and Slate's health a year from now will factor heavily into residuals, so wait-and-see is to be expected.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I wish they had gone with a white base color for that reason (without paying $500+500 install for a wrap). Had a silver car and it was a lot warmer in summer than my current white one. I've read that with special primer and some scuffing that it's possible to paint plastic. It might look a little odd, but painting the top of the cab white might help a little in the summer.

Funny. I just had that thought today!

But then I started thinking of painting the steelie wheels white too...and then scuffing the grill and painting it white also...with some Toyo OC III AT tires, voila, a Bronco-like Slate?