The Slate needs a lower price. I know they are not pickups, (most are crossovers/SUVs), but with rebates, % and other deals I can get several other E

[GaRailroader]

The obvious implication being buying new is less risk. But if EV are less damageable from mistreatment they should make for a less-risk purchase as a used vehicle. Thus, the perplexity.

I too favor buying new so I am not buying someone else’s problem. Another factor you didn’t mention was depreciation. I think that it is indisputable that EVs depreciate faster than ICEV. That would favor buying used EVs over used ICEV because the used EV has already seen a lot of depreciation. It would also favor buying a used EV over a new EV since the risk of the new EV is a lot of depreciation if you aren’t in it for the long haul.

 

[E90400K]

I too favor buying new so I am not buying someone else’s problem. Another factor you didn’t mention was depreciation. I think that it is indisputable that EVs depreciate faster than ICEV. That would favor buying used EVs over used ICEV because the used EV has already seen a lot of depreciation. It would also favor buying a used EV over a new EV since the risk of the new EV is a lot of depreciation if you aren’t in it for the long haul.

And I think that is the difference with depreciation between EV and ICEV, the charging issue. I think a significant part of the market just doesn't want to deal with public-grid charging, either on road trips or as their primary source for fuel (if they can't charge at home). I see this as a fail on the part of the Government pushing EV as a replacement technology for ICE. When you can't charge at home, having an ICEV that recharges in 5 minutes or less nearly anywhere in the US and recovers nearly 400+ miles of range, EV just is not that appealing.

ICEV depreciate because of the mechanical risk factor. EV depreciate because of the refueling factor.

 

[smack daddy]

Problem there is nothing to see so far, maybe there will be pictures and details by the time you have to decide on Slate, and then the Ford launches a year after Slate. Of course then you have to deal with dealer markups.

True

 

[LoneWolfo6]

If Slate stripped down is priced at $30k to $59k with accessories and upgrades, one might as well go with the $69k CT.

The CT stripped down as is a far better platform and product and slightly more durable.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

If Slate stripped down is priced at $30k to $59k with accessories and upgrades, one might as well go with the $69k CT.

The CT stripped down as is a far better platform and product and slightly more durable.

So you just only post slop now?

 

[atx_ev]

If Slate stripped down is priced at $30k to $59k with accessories and upgrades, one might as well go with the $69k CT.

The CT stripped down as is a far better platform and product and slightly more durable.

LOL. You literally just said, if the slate is 31K you are better off buying a $69k cybertruck.

This might actually be true for you. But for most of us we would pay extra for the small size. You have this idea that bigger is better. But historically speaking miniaturization often times costs more.

Sprinter van RVs cost double what larger more full featured RVs cost.

A stripped down porsche costs more than the cybertruck because it does 1 thing really well, but doesnt have all the bells and whistles.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

*sees $25k truck*
"That's stupid, just buy a $70k truck."

 

[KevinRS]

He's rounding mid 20s to 30, then deciding he's going to want all the possible accessories at once, even then it might not be possible to put 29k worth of upgrades on one truck.

 

[AZFox]

Compactness, simplicity, and opportunity for hands-on personalization aren't valuable to some people apparently.

 

[Johnologue]

I don't know why manufacturers even build new cars anymore. They should switch to building used cars.

I've seen that as a real idea recently; for automakers to start making factory-refurbished cars or something.

 

[Johnologue]

If Slate stripped down is priced at $30k to $59k with accessories and upgrades, one might as well go with the $69k CT.

The CT stripped down as is a far better platform and product and slightly more durable.

I thought this was sarcasm at first, but I can't tell.

Also, I haven't been keeping up, where did $59k come from? (I haven't been keeping up in large part because these discussions tend to get repetitive and keep starting from really weird accounts. I seriously suspect AI shenanigans from people who are trying to run a narrative.)

I only remember people talking about adding on things like the SUV kit for $5000, therefore ~$30k (which isn't fully "stripped down")...what accessories and upgrades then double the price from there?

Even if you say, the extended battery is another few thousand. Call it $35k for a (mechanically) "fully-loaded" Slate. $500 for a wrap.

Then what? Where is the extra $23,500? Interior trim and speakers? Power windows? Are we including a full collection of kits, so you can switch between SUV, "fastback" SUV, and Cargo ("open air" is just a partial SUV kit and therefore included in either)?

And, compared to the Cybertruck, there's no need to buy an aftermarket rip cord to escape the vehicle if it catches fire. Surely, that saves like $1000.

And, on the Cybertruck, and the image you posted.

I quite firmly disagree with the assertion that the Cybertruck is a "better platform" or "more durable". The Slate has plastic exterior panels, which would make them more resistant to damage and much more repairable than the Cybertruck's metal "exoskeleton". Also, your image gave the Slate a "sailback" like the CT has around its bed...the Slate does not have that. The bed has horizontal walls, thanks to the Slate's "endoskeleton".

I can't speak from much personal experience, but I'm pretty sure that most durable tools and electronics one would see in settings like construction sites are constructed with rounded-off plastic and rubber/elastomer casings, not flat metal paneling with hard angles.

The AI image you posted says a lot about the Cybertruck - its favored backdrop makes it a tank amongst burning ruins. Well, in an emotional sense. Stainless steel isn't Rolled Homogenous Armor (and modern AFVs use composite exteriors, anyways).

 

[ScooterAsheville]

My favorite Cybertruck quote is from Elon himself. And I quote: "We dug our own grave on that one". It's really interesting how Elon talks about "me, myself and I" when things go well, but it's "us" when things tank. As in a million reservations vanishing overnight.

I do love that the Cybertruck exists. Not a hater. I think it was a great Telsa testbed for all kinds of tech that might find it's way into future vehicles. I smile everytime I see one go by, which is rarely, just because of the sheer "look at me" audacity of the thing.

 

[beatle]

This might actually be true for you. But for most of us we would pay extra for the small size. You have this idea that bigger is better. But historically speaking miniaturization often times costs more.

Indeed, Rivian will be losing me as a customer since they're not making an R2T. I am tired of driving a large vehicle.

Lastly, is the question of used ICEV vs. used EV for the risk adverse. For me, I do not like buying used cars because of the possibility of getting a vehicle that has been mistreated or not well maintained by the previous owner(s). ICE powertrains are highly reliable if properly used and well cared for, but easily degradable or damaged if not. I think that paradigm is different for EV. From my thinking on that question, are EV drivetrains less susceptible to damage or degradation if abused or not properly taken care of. In essence, is there less risk of buying an off-lease used EV vs. buying a used off-lease ICEV (i.e. at 36,000 miles or less)? And if the risk is less, how does that play into Slate's prospectus that it wants to sell the market a new vehicle at a used-vehicle price.

The obvious implication being buying new is less risk. But if EV are less damageable from mistreatment they should make for a less-risk purchase as a used vehicle. Thus, the perplexity.

It's kind of hard to abuse an EV drivetrain so used options are pretty good. I bought both of my Teslas used at 3-4 years old. Faster EVs can be pretty hard on half shafts if hammered a lot. The AC unit does double duty for cooling the battery and the cabin, so it can be more prone to failure. and can strand you if it fails outright. A car that has always been charged to 100% and isn't designed for it can have some additional battery degradation, as can one that has been frequently DCFC'd in brutal heat.

The frustrating thing is that there really aren't any warning signs for things that you can just limp through. Systems can fail immediately without warning. It's true that ICE vehicles can do the same, but there is always more mystery to the failure to the EV powertrain, especially since there are rarely any user-readable error codes to determine what's wrong. I think (lack of) repairability is another reason why EVs crater in value. I only bought used cars for decades, but I've cycled through a number of EVs since there is so much on them I cannot diagnose and repair myself.