Slate truck build: official OEM lift kit, side steps, roof rack, bed rack, fender flares, alloy wheels 😍

[phidauex]

Weight of batteries is why the tires are chosen. Soft ride it will not be in any case. It's a truck.

The batteries are heavy for a truck of this size, but its low payload capacity means the GVWR and GAWRs still aren't going to be terribly high.

That BFG TA KO2 is load range E1, with a load index of 121, which means 3,197lbs capacity at 80 psi.

I don't think we have final numbers for the Slate yet, but assuming the 3,600lb curb weight and the 50/50 weight distribution, that would be 1,800 lbs on the rear axle. Lets put the entire 1,400lb payload capacity over that axle, which gets us to 3,200 lbs GAWR, or 1,600 lbs per tire. That would technically work with an SL rated tire with a 97 index.

In practice, they'll probably rate up a bit and specify something like an XL rated tire at a load index of 101 to 103 (EDIT: 111 for stock tire, see below), for around ~1,900 lbs at 42psi. That is still quite a beefy tire, but you don't need something that is rated for a school bus or an F350.

The Slate's ratings are extremely close to my Tacoma. It has a slightly higher curb weight, and a slightly lower payload, but both end up close to 5,000 lbs GVWR. I've had many tires on this truck over the years, including E rated LT tires, and then back to XL rated 115 index tires like I have now. The difference is very noticeable in acceleration and comfort, and the tires are no less capable for the vehicle (actually better in the snow).

Like I said, I'm sure lots of people will still put E rated tires on (knowingly or unknowingly), and I wouldn't tell anyone what to do with their truck, I'm just saying it isn't necessary for the weight, payload or capabilities of the vehicle.

EDIT: Looking at other pics, the Kenda Klever S/T in 245/65-R17 they are putting on demo vehicles is an XL rated tire, 111 load index. My guess is that 111 isn't really needed either, but that is what the Kenda is in that size. Others in the Klever S/T line in similar sizes are between 106 and 111.