The car I had dreamed of before the slate.

[atx_ev]

The smart car is an interesting car except that it had terrible fuel economy and wasnt safe

10 years ago I imagined a small electric car with 2 seats that had a frame/rollcage that completely surrounded the cockpit. The wheels would mount on the outside so if the car was hit from any direction, the wheels would take the first impact, the roll cage would 100% protect the passengers even if they rolled. The purpose would solely be for commuting and driving/parking in urban areas. I also imagined the panels would be changeable and removeable and that the car would be completely stripped down with no features (like a kit car). You would customize it however you wanted, including changing out side panels. It would use as many off the self parts as possible to use existing supply chains. Everything would be easily accessible for repair.

The slate came out and it was literally everything plus it was a truck, but a little bigger than what I imagined the car would be.

Who knows if the market can support it, but now they got the new funding they will definitely produce some production cars.

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

Dream car? Aston Martin DB11 V12. Practical? No. Affordable? NO! Maintainable? Are you kidding? Head turning fun to drive? Oh YEA!
Which would be why I am on the list for a Slate... I think it will at least be a head turner.

 

[trecamp]

I loved the smart car, and was ready to buy a used one, until I drove it. With the exception of the way it shifted and the way the brake pedal operated,
it was close to an optimum ride.
I’m hoping the Slate will be that optimum.

 

[1974D2004X4]

TELO MT1

 

[Shrink36s]

TELO MT1

I like the Telo as well. America's Kei Truck of sorts. I don't like it's price tag. Slate 2.0 kei truck edition, I could get behind. Less bells and whistles, all functional truck. 🤑

 

[RevCaptJack]

I loved the smart car, and was ready to buy a used one, until I drove it. With the exception of the way it shifted and the way the brake pedal operated,
it was close to an optimum ride.
I’m hoping the Slate will be that optimum.

I’ve had my smart for 18 years. It was one of the first in the country. I’ve loved it and still do in many ways. The premium gas was always a bummer, but it’s always a conversation piece, fun to drive and you can park it anywhere. When/if it’s done, the Slate would replace it.

 

[Driven5]

Despite their numerous issues and shortcomings, I still want to import a Smart Roadster once they're old enough.

 

[1974D2004X4]

I like the Telo as well. America's Kei Truck of sorts. I don't like it's price tag. Slate 2.0 kei truck edition, I could get behind. Less bells and whistles, all functional truck. 🤑

I don't like the price either. I have reservations on Slate, TELO, and R2 seeing who gets to me first. Wish terribly that Slate was 4WD out of the box because I live so far up mountain and gotta get to VA or I am screwed for rescheduling.

 

[phidauex]

I would totally buy a Telo MT1. I like the look of the Slate better, but the Telo looks very practical, and manages to be both shorter and have a longer bed. Of course, some of the specs are still a little unbelievable - 6600lb tow capacity on that wheelbase? 106kwh battery - where will you put it? And of course they don't seem to have released much on actual manufacturing plans.

Slate seems to be the only compact truck option that is actually plowing ahead to making a physical thing.

 

[Shrink36s]

I would totally buy a Telo MT1. I like the look of the Slate better, but the Telo looks very practical, and manages to be both shorter and have a longer bed. Of course, some of the specs are still a little unbelievable - 6600lb tow capacity on that wheelbase? 106kwh battery - where will you put it? And of course they don't seem to have released much on actual manufacturing plans.

Slate seems to be the only compact truck option that is actually plowing ahead to making a physical thing.

The Slate appears to be far more mature in terms of startup process and into manufacturing for sure. The Telo guy in the videos also just gives off vibes I don't like. More classic "dirty car salesman" stereotype maybe? I get that he want's to build something new, and with purpose, and he still seems to come off too salesman-like, I guess.
The concept, though, I do like.

 

[1974D2004X4]

The Slate appears to be far more mature in terms of startup process and into manufacturing for sure. The Telo guy in the videos also just gives off vibes I don't like. More classic "dirty car salesman" stereotype maybe? I get that he want's to build something new, and with purpose, and he still seems to come off too salesman-like, I guess.
The concept, though, I do like.

Its very simple and traditional in build making it easier to produce I assume.

 

[Sojourner]

I loved the smart car, and was ready to buy a used one, until I drove it. With the exception of the way it shifted and the way the brake pedal operated,
it was close to an optimum ride.
I’m hoping the Slate will be that optimum.

We were all in on one until we found out that you couldn't flat tow the Smart Car.

Just wasn't interested in buying a trailer to put it on or the hassle of a dolly (all of which require registration, plates, inspections, etc. (where I live)).

So never even test drove it. Price wasn't great, either.

 

[GaRailroader]

Before the Slate I had a reservation on the Canoo and the Telo MT1 as well as an investment in GOEV(Canoo). Fortunately I got a refund on the Canoo reservation. I like the Telo but would prefer the Slate over the Telo. To me the Telo is a 1 car solution while the Slate is a 2nd car. As a 2nd car it doesn’t need a back seat and I feel like I would feel safer in an accident in the Slate. I imagine the Telo would feel cramped on a road trip where as the Tesla Model Y with FSD is a very comfortable car #1.

 

[bartflossom]

I was very close to finding my dream Triumph TR-6 to restore, but wasn't looking forward to fighting the "prince of darkness" Lucas wiring harness that everyone hates. Then suddenly, Bob Lutz drove a Solstice concept across the stage at the Detroit Auto show and I said, THIS WOULD BE WAY EASIER! Thus began a 20 year run with my beloved Emmaline. Was active on the first Solstice forum just like here. Waited two years for it just like here. Joined the local club, went to all the Solstice National meets. Drove with my wife all over the country seeking fun roads. So many friends made and fun had. Just gave it to a good friend's 17 year old son who is now its new steward and loves it as much as I did.

Can't wait to start the new adventure with the Slate.

 

[1974D2004X4]

I was very close to finding my dream Triumph TR-6 to restore, but wasn't looking forward to fighting the "prince of darkness" Lucas wiring harness that everyone hates. Then suddenly, Bob Lutz drove a Solstice concept across the stage at the Detroit Auto show and I said, THIS WOULD BE WAY EASIER! Thus began a 20 year run with my beloved Emmaline. Was active on the first Solstice forum just like now. Waited two years for it just like now. Joined the local club, went to all the Solstice National meets. Drove with my wife all over the country seeking fun roads. So many friends made and fun had. Just gave it to a good friends 17 year old son who is now it's new steward and loves it as much as I did.

Can't wait to start the new adventure.

I raced for Oldsmobile factory racing in IMSA and love that design. You've kept it beautifully.