Speculation: What Will Slate's second model be?

[Mac-Tyson]

I predict product cycle will probably be something like this: light refresh + e4x4/AWD option -> 4 Door Slate XL the size of an early 2000’s Full Size Pickup Truck -> Slate SUV on the same Platform -> Modular Slate Van -> Slate Coupe/Sedan

Continually refining the OG Blank Slate Truck throughout.

Second prediction Slate will have an e4x4/AWD option in 3 years or less and will have started production on their second model by 2030. I think for the Slate Truck they will likely follow Tesla’s model of continually refining the truck over the years. But for releasing new models, if Slate truly makes it to production by the end of this year (all signs pointing to that being true) then Slate will have been the EV startup to come to market the fastest by a landslide. They basically will be the only Western Automaker to even come close to matching Chinese Automakers when it comes to speed of bringing a new model to market if they are able to sustain that momentum.

 

[gnarzilla]

🤣 Look at the AI generated EV image with advertising for Champion spark plugs and Lucas oil

you missed my favorite part: the tailpipe!

 

[RedJoker]

🤣 Look at the AI generated EV image with advertising for Champion spark plugs and Lucas oil

Having participated in motorsports, it doesn't surprise me that there are required sponsor stickers, even if you don't use those parts.

you missed my favorite part: the tailpipe!

Yeah, I got nothing for this stupidity.... 🤣

 

[Mac-Tyson]

Slate's future fascinates me, because they can go in so many directions with future product. So many things we don't know...

• What is the competitive landscape in 2028? 2030? 2035? Does anybody else step into the small two-door BEV truck market segment?
• How successful are they in the fleet and retail and accessory markets?
• How much free cash flow will they generate? And how much capital from other sources can they bring in?
• What are their costs? Remember they buy from suppliers. That's a double-edged sword. It means they don't need the capital to engineer stuff, but they have to pay the supplier's profit margins atop the components themselves. What are their warranty costs? Does the union arrive and raise compensation costs?

The reason I pay attention to these factors is because they all play into Slate's future business strategy.

One thing I'll be watching really closely... Right now, Slate is a glorified kit car maker. Competitors like Tesla and Rivian have gone in the oppostie direction, choosing vertical integration - they make everything in house. And they've gone bigtime in cost-reducing technology like castings, zonal compute, 48V wiring harnesses, owning all the software themselves. These things cost billions, but once developed they drive down unit cost and essentially print money.

So will Slate stay a kit car maker? Which is not an insult by me. There's a place for that approach. It's capital efficient because the suppliers incur the billions in investment cost to develop the systems Slate installs in their vehicles. But it comes with a cost penalty - the suppliers claw back those billions over time in margin.

So is Slate's long-term strategy to stay capital light, super simple, and supplier-dependent? Or do they choose the strategy for long-term efficiency, and attract the capital to start investing in serious platform and technology engineering (and yes, the Slate has tons of tech in the electric drivetrain - just not owned by Slate).

I'm fascinated. I don't get a vote. I don't pretend to know which path is the right one for Slate. I can't wait to see what decisions they make down the road.

If Slate ever starts selling at or near its full production capacity you will see more compact single cab trucks on the market. First ones would probably be a single cab maverick and then the R2T Rivian’s CEO recently hinted at. What’s more interesting is how does Slate’s model of stripping down things that are now standard affect the rest of the car market. Like none will go as far as Slate but Dodge recently was questioning the viability of applying a similar model to Dodge and at least one of Tesla’s base models does not have a radio in it.

I think this is one reason why there’s a very vocal minority of Slate Critics hoping Slate fails. Since their dream for a $25K EV is a Chinese BEV that wouldn’t actually be $25K if sold here. They are afraid of Slate becomes successful more automakers will start stripping things out that are now standard to get prices down instead of finding other ways to get prices down (like Slate will be doing additionally as they scale up).

I can kind of understand this since I like Slate doing it since they built their brand identity around this concept though I think not offering a radio as even an option was a mistake for reasons I can explain more. But I don’t know if I want to see other automakers going too far with it as well. Like some things like heated and cooling seats are luxury options and should be treated as such in economy brands. But taking the radio out feels like a step too far for a brand that’s identity isn’t about consumer choice and customization. I could see GM bringing back Saturn though and embracing this model for that brand though if Slate is successful.

But for the main point this is a key aspect if Slate becomes very successful it does so as the antithesis to Tesla’s model which all the EVs are copying right now. So I do like it for that reason since it gives EVs more flexibility on what they can be. They don’t all need to be the next Tesla, Rivian, or Chinese BEV.

 

[kcht66]

For me they should upgrade battery chemistry, range, charge speed and awd option. After that …. Yes… may a new model.!!

 

[CorvusCorvax]

2-seat sport coupe/convertible - a direct EV competitor to the Miata.

A man can dream, right?

 

[ScooterAsheville]

>> I think this is one reason why there’s a very vocal minority of Slate Critics hoping Slate fails.

I don't think anyone is hoping Slate fails. I think they are expecting it to fail. Those are very different things. Also, it's a vocal minority on this forum, but it's a vocal majority of informed voices across the auto industry.

So let's hope Slate converts the skeptics into suprised believers. Everyone wins.

 

[phidauex]

you missed my favorite part: the tailpipe!

That is the burrito holder.

 

[GaRailroader]

I think they should lean in to this platform as long as possible before diworsifying into other platforms.

1. 4WD
2. Exploit accessorizing to make rock crawler versions, mudder versions, basic trail rigs and the ultra low mini trucks of the nineties.
3. Add a version with 4 doors to the existing wheelbase platform(SWB)
4. Add a long wheel base(LWB) version to accommodate regular cab - long bed, extended cab - 5’ bed, crew cab - truncated bed and perhaps 3 row 4 door SUV all on the LWB platform.

 

[sodamo]

I think they should lean in to this platform as long as possible before diworsifying into other platforms.

surely agree with this part

 

[NMNeil]

One interesting difference between Slate and the others is the product type. Those startups all begain at the high end, with content-rich products, and incredibly heavy technology investments. For Rivian that tech investment totally paid off with VW, and probably others soon, investing billions. Whereas Slate reversed the script. Slate is swimming against conventional wisdom, starting at the bottom - a historically great way to lose money or at best make thin margin.

But that's the attraction of the Slate; its basic transportation at a low(ish) price.
It worked well for the original VW bug which still holds the record as the best selling car ever. And on a side note they never produced it in 4 door or AWD.
It's the same story for the original mini which sold 5.38 million before it stopped being a real mini and became just another BMW.
My first mini had the starter solenoid on the floor, cardboard door linings, sliding windows and a cord instead of a handle to open the doors from the inside.
And again, never had 4 doors or AWD.