This is the small truck Tesla should have produced...

[Johnny5]

I've read all your posts in this thread and appreciate your perspective and want to comment to all of them in general. You share my realism about Slate. I see this as a pretty big risk on Slate's part. At a mid $20K price point it may be a difficult sales play after the initial 75,000 or so Reservationists buy their truck. If its $26K and the buyer wants another color other than gray, its another $600 to $1,400 to get it wrapped using Slate's kit.

Want the SUV? Another $5K for the kit(?). For an impractical 2-door SUV? Yikes. [I own a 2-dr Bronco BTW). Sorry, but that's a non-starter in my book. There are 20 different 4-dr small SUVs on the market for a mid $30K price, and they have nice paint.

I think most of the market expects electrically adjustable mirrors and electric windows. Even the basic of vehicles have both those features. What I don't understand is the fascination with manual windows, especially when Slate has engineered an electrical version already. And electric mirrors really can't cost much more than manual mirrors; it's just a motor and switch, which are produced in the tens of millions per year across the industry.

And if Slate is going retro-cool with crank windows, why not then just use cheap and simple glass headlamps that use a $8 bulb and don't fog over after 7 years? Glass headlamps still meet all DOT FMVSS 108 regs.

And I personally need the detail on how the removable front bed wall is going to keep water out of the cab. If one has ever owned a pickup, they have experienced a bed with several gallons of water sitting in the front of the bed after a rainstorm and the truck is parked forward on an incline. Not a big deal when the truck is body on frame and the cab is separate from the bed.

And while people piss on the idea that a 2-door is all that's necessary and trucks now have 4-doors because of how the EPA calculates CAFE, the market likes 4-doors regardless.

And a just 90-mile practical range to boot @ 30-min DCFC. [grunt].

Slate may start up and be successful initially, but is it sustainable? Most EV startups aren't. As a buyer, do you want to risk $27.5K on a brick?

 

[sodamo]

Agree, and don't forget that Slate noted that their price did not include fees either. I'm not being smarmy, I just thought people shopped and didn't just pay MSRP and knew that dealers run deals on pickups a LOT.

Rather evident you don’t live in an area where a single dealer controls the market. Single dealer owner single or multiple brands.

 

[sodamo]

When exactly did Slate say they were going after a low income target? All I’ve heard is that they think new cars are too expensive. We all know how people get and stay wealthy…they spend less than they make. I don’t think low income is the Slate’s target. I think frugal is the target (there’s a difference), both for personal and commercial ownership. I also think this frugal target is what convinced Bezos to invest…at heart, he is a very frugal guy. Just ask all those early Amazon employees that had to build their own desks.

Again I find myself agreeing with you. The low income segment would seem a small market for Slate. I’m definitely not wealthy, but my wife has tried to instill frugality. The fact I could potentially never buy a commercial charge and charge from my home PV would be frugal indeed.

 

[cvollers]

Slate could be wrongly targeting a lower income market that they think exists but the lower income market may not exist. This would be the reason Slate's business model may be incorrect and not viable.

Well I suppose they could if they don't know what they are doing. I'd like to think that they know exactly what they are doing and convinced a very smart guy like Jeff Bezos of the same.

 

[sodamo]

I keep writing LOWER income, not low-income, but people keep reading it as "low-income".

Lower income folks have more budget constraints than higher income people, which is why the EV market is primarily higher income individuals. There have been several low priced EV in the market already, the GM Bolt(s) come to mind, and GM found it difficult to profitably sell in that market space. The Leaf is another example, it sells under 20,000 units annually.

My point is, there are other market factors at play when it comes to unit sales of low-priced EV other than MSRP. Based on my evaluation, my opinion is availability, cost and convenience of charging infrastructure. Charging on the public DCFC network is as expensive per mile as gasoline and takes 6x longer to get half the range recovery an ICEV gets (for the Slate) IN GOOD WEATHER. Lower income people tend to drive long distances vs. flying, a 150-mile EV doesn't help that use case. If i was someone who had to charge on the public DCFC network at the same cost as gasoline and had to use my vehicle for the occasional long distance trip, I'd not choose an EV.

And if I needed a pickup truck to boot, I'd get the Maverick hybrid, with 4-doors, a slightly smaller bed, electric mirrors and windows, oh, and paint, at a lower per-mile running cost. I could deal with the extra 2' of body length.

Of all the factors involving lower income folks, my guess is the charging factor might be the most important. To be honest, I’m not that experienced in apartment/condo living, but I would assume there is and will be more lack of chargers. Would someone pay more rent for charger on site? how many chargers needed based on units? Could see a possible business opportunity here where larger complexes have software controlled access where you have a guaranteed time slot, but suspect there would be a price for that.

 

[cvollers]

Of all the factors involving lower income folks, my guess is the charging factor might be the most important. To be honest, I’m not that experienced in apartment/condo living, but I would assume there is and will be more lack of chargers. Would someone pay more rent for charger on site? how many chargers needed based on units? Could see a possible business opportunity here where larger complexes have software controlled access where you have a guaranteed time slot, but suspect there would be a price for that.

I'm currently shopping for an apartment and EV charging is one of my filters. Quite a few complexes in my area boast chargers, but the number per complex varies. If they have it, the minimum is two. I don't see a strong correlation between EV charging availability and apartment price. There are other factors involved such as location, onsite clubhouse, gym, and pool. Almost every place I have looked at that has EV charging does it on a first come, first served basis. I have noticed that EV charging is almost guaranteed at anything built in the last ten years.

 

[Dorbiman]

Public charging is continuing to get better and better too, with Ionna and Walmart joining the fray. I know that near me, parking garages for the train station has chargers, as does my work. The last one is hugely beneficial to me; not only do I not have to pay for gas with an EV, I don't have to pay for the electricity either! That alone will cover half of the monthly payment for a Slate for me.

 

[sodamo]

I'm currently shopping for an apartment and EV charging is one of my filters. Quite a few complexes in my area boast chargers, but the number per complex varies. If they have it, the minimum is two. I don't see a strong correlation between EV charging availability and apartment price. There are other factors involved such as location, onsite clubhouse, gym, and pool. Almost every place I have looked at that has EV charging does it on a first come, first served basis. I have noticed that EV charging is almost guaranteed at anything built in the last ten years.

Thanks. as I stated not something I’m very knowledgeable about And should I ever move into a condo/apt, very likely I won‘t be driving. Ah, have I mentioned self driving vehicles for seniors?
i do think charger availability will become more and more important and a challenge, especially older places. I have friends with a condo locally. Single electric meter for whole complex, so prorated share of bill not related to individual use. Seriously doubt we’d see 1 for 1 chargers in most places anytime soon, but competition for availability could become a reality that triggers additional costs managed by software. Buy a reservation and pay if a noshow.

 

[P99Guy]

I am disappointed of the price gouging seen on the Maverick. I was lucky, I factory ordered a XLT with lux package when the model came out. It took 17 months to get and got bumped to a 2023 model (a blessing due to all the recalls). We were $28k out the door. It has been great for us but in no way would i pay over $30k for it. I think the price increase opens up competition from other manufacturers. I'm looking forward to seeing a Slate in the flesh.

Exact same as you only it took 23 months. (667 days order to delivery) $26,600 plus TTL. Ordered Nov 2021. Wife loves it as seen in the avatar. It was hers….