Thoughts on my second thoughts

[Shrink36s]

The luster is wearing, and when I think about my needs, my desires, and what make sense for my family, the Slate as a truck makes less sense. This would be my daily driver, and the occasional family trip vehicle since my partner loves their leased vehicles. So, that makes the SUV kit more logical, and though it will certainly piss my kids off not having a door of their own, I can deal with them figuring out how to get over that. That leaves me shelling out $30k plus. I don't want to spend $30k on a tool that moves me from A to B. I've done that, I'm over it. I'd rather take the savings and spend it on vacationing more comfortably. ... Anyway...

At $30k, with what I see in the used market now (really I'd try to stay around $25k used), and knowing it is going to pick up a lot more leases soon, the BEV offerings are more aligned with my overall needs. That makes me ask myself, "does this purchase make sense anymore?"

Also thinking about the first model year of a first time auto maker and what issues result with mass production. I get their simplicity model and being driven by a lot of seasoned, and well regarded, engineers leans toward better than worse, and it still worries me. I do love the idea of supporting a disrupter, though, and bringing manufacturing back to the States and the Midwest especially.

Then there is this one lingering little scratch that won't go away in the back of my brain: I'm so tired of all the tracking and technology all around me all the time. Hell, I am even considering the Commodore Callback flip phone for that very reason. This is the only EV that does not have all that bullshit. I've been thinking of finding an older ICEV without all the B.S. that is reliable and meets my needs and is void of the telemetry and 14" distraction screen... I don't really want to keep an ICEV as my daily though either.

This last piece is so strong in me... Ugh.

In the end, though, this is a hugely first-world middle-class problem, and one that I really have no business stressing over. I am grateful I have the opportunity to even consider the connundrum of these thoughts rather than worrying myself sick over being unhoused, needing to find my next meal, or how to avoid the armed conflict creeping my direction.

Anyone else having some back and forth knocking around in their noggin?

 

[RedJoker]

I'm still going back and forth and have not placed a pre-order. I'm currently planning to just wait until the production vehicles start shipping and we know more details. Realistically, if I decide to purchase one, it will probably only delay my delivery but months, not years.

 

[Frozen North]

The luster is wearing, and when I think about my needs, my desires, and what make sense for my family, the Slate as a truck makes less sense. This would be my daily driver, and the occasional family trip vehicle since my partner loves their leased vehicles. So, that makes the SUV kit more logical, and though it will certainly piss my kids off not having a door of their own, I can deal with them figuring out how to get over that. That leaves me shelling out $30k plus. I don't want to spend $30k on a tool that moves me from A to B. I've done that, I'm over it. I'd rather take the savings and spend it on vacationing more comfortably. ... Anyway...

At $30k, with what I see in the used market now (really I'd try to stay around $25k used), and knowing it is going to pick up a lot more leases soon, the BEV offerings are more aligned with my overall needs. That makes me ask myself, "does this purchase make sense anymore?"

Also thinking about the first model year of a first time auto maker and what issues result with mass production. I get their simplicity model and being driven by a lot of seasoned, and well regarded, engineers leans toward better than worse, and it still worries me. I do love the idea of supporting a disrupter, though, and bringing manufacturing back to the States and the Midwest especially.

Then there is this one lingering little scratch that won't go away in the back of my brain: I'm so tired of all the tracking and technology all around me all the time. Hell, I am even considering the Commodore Callback flip phone for that very reason. This is the only EV that does not have all that bullshit. I've been thinking of finding an older ICEV without all the B.S. that is reliable and meets my needs and is void of the telemetry and 14" distraction screen... I don't really want to keep an ICEV as my daily though either.

This last piece is so strong in me... Ugh.

In the end, though, this is a hugely first-world middle-class problem, and one that I really have no business stressing over. I am grateful I have the opportunity to even consider the connundrum of these thoughts rather than worrying myself sick over being unhoused, needing to find my next meal, or how to avoid the armed conflict creeping my direction.

Anyone else having some back and forth knocking around in their noggin?

I think we are all well aware of what is available on the "used" market.
What is not available anywhere else is a completly new and selectively modern vehicle without forced excess. A vehicle that we can change/modify easily, and won't dent our tinfoil hats by selling our data to anyone with a few bucks.
It's well established that this is best as a runabout not a roadtrip vehicle.
It is also generally true that Early adopters are often quasi beta testers, and usually true that simplicity often goes hand in hand with reliability.
Slate is wise to release info only when necessary and certain. There is an old saying "A wise man will keep his mouth shut and be thought a fool, but a fool will open his mouth and remove all doubt."

My recommendation for the unsure, be patient. Knowledge is power and it is scarce. We have months of waiting and learning ahead of us. If money is in any way a concern, wait or find a cheaper option. Back out at the last second if necessary.

Otherwise, this is the most revolutionary vehicle on the market right now. This is our Model T, our Beetle. They may be a new startup but so was Ford 123 years ago. Give them a chance, they really seem to have their shit together.

 

[EV Trek]

I have said it before if you need a SUV more than a pickup, buy an SUV, but if you need a small economical truck that is also an EV there is no denying the Slate is the best bang for the buck.
Everyone has to judge by their own use case, for me it’s a no brainer.

 

[Slatester89]

If I needed a kid hauler, and though the Slate SUV was a good option in the $30k-$35k range, I'd hope some one would slap me in the face and scream, "WAKE UP". It's the wrong tool for that job.

The right tool is a ford bronco sport. It looks similar, it's about the same size, it has two more doors, and it is much better equipped at a base price of about $33k. All it is lacking is the EV part...and if that is critical, then go buy a Bolt.

In 10-15yrs when the kids are driving, then go buy that Blank Slate.

b

 

[Sertao]

I don't 'need' a Slate. I have other options, so - in this thread, I'm a lucky one. But, getting back and forth on my daily's for me is a short trip, and I don't have an EV - and want to see if that is where I should be. This is the FIRST offering that meets my utilitarian needs. I don't need a back seat... its just me. I don't want options... I want to use, and adjust to my needs. Mod, skin, tech, whatever... this appeals to that need. Other offerings don't.

 

[Shrink36s]

It is likely, too, that this can be a third vehicle for our household. The plan is to purchase outright, then our only vehicle payment is my partner's perpetual leased vehicle. Our son can take drivers ed now, but has zero interesting driving. Plus, he has ADHD and is so distractable, driving in a year may not be the best idea anyway. All that to say, we'd still have an ICEV that can haul all of us on longer trips if we need to. I would simply rather not have 3 vehicles if I can help it.
Again, totally first world worries here.
Really, am more interested to hear other's thought process around decision making like this. I really think the Slate is special, and I really want it to succeed.

 

[knob]

You won't see any new cars in next 2-3 years with less telematics, driver-facing tech. Any response to high-tech cabins will take a while to play out. Really, all I've seen is cars bring buttons and knobs back with fewer radio/AC functions stuck on a screen or capacitive button.

Your options in the used market, off-lease EVs, and expanding sub-$30k hybrids are all better for a daily driver family car. I don't think the imported econobox SUVs are as interesting once you see an out the door price on the dealer lot. Reliability is no less a concern unfortunately for many established makers.

In the next two years, Slate will get to sell to its forum-posting set of enthusiasts and car hobbyists that will consider an EV. It's on them to pivot towards the first time car buyers that truly need America's most affordable domestic-built vehicle of any powertrain by a domestic company.

If they can build and sell to people who could never buy their own car, while providing reliability the stripped down design is supposed to support, I think it'll still be a good buy.

 

[Shrink36s]

You won't see any new cars in next 2-3 years with less telematics, driver-facing tech. Any response to high-tech cabins will take a while to play out. Really, all I've seen is cars bring buttons and knobs back with fewer radio/AC functions stuck on a screen or capacitive button.

Your options in the used market, off-lease EVs, and expanding sub-$30k hybrids are all better for a daily driver family car. I don't think the imported econobox SUVs are as interesting once you see an out the door price on the dealer lot. Reliability is no less a concern unfortunately for many established makers.

In the next two years, Slate will get to sell to its forum-posting set of enthusiasts and car hobbyists that will consider an EV. It's on them to pivot towards the first time car buyers that truly need America's most affordable domestic-built vehicle of any powertrain by a domestic company.

If they can build and sell to people who could never buy their own car, while providing reliability the stripped down design is supposed to support, I think it'll still be a good buy.

How do I applaud this loudly? 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

 

[Slatester89]

It is likely, too, that this can be a third vehicle for our household. The plan is to purchase outright, then our only vehicle payment is my partner's perpetual leased vehicle. Our son can take drivers ed now, but has zero interesting driving. Plus, he has ADHD and is so distractable, driving in a year may not be the best idea anyway. All that to say, we'd still have an ICEV that can haul all of us on longer trips if we need to. I would simply rather not have 3 vehicles if I can help it.
Again, totally first world worries here.
Really, am more interested to hear other's thought process around decision making like this. I really think the Slate is special, and I really want it to succeed.

We are retired. We have her new MINI and my two older Roadsters. This will be my run-about: for HD/Lowes, Costco, Doc appointments, the Y, and where ever else I need to go.

If it turns out to be POS, I'll flush it and find another. If it turns out great, I will love it and hug it and call it George.

b.

 

[Shrink36s]

We are retired. We have her new MINI and my two older Roadsters. This will be my run-about: for HD/Lowes, Costco, Doc appointments, the Y, and where ever else I need to go.

If it turns out to be POS, I'll flush it and find another. If it turns out great, I will love it and hug it and call it George.

b.

 

[EV Trek]

We took a day trip today in our Equinox EV. 213 miles used 47kWh of electricity 4.53 mi/kWh. EPA rated at 3.5 mi/kWh. Drove from Elizabethon Tennessee, to Mountain City Tennessee, then to Blowing Rock NC, to Wilkesboro NC, to Boone NC, back to Elizabethton then home to Johnson City. Took from 11 am this morning to 6 pm this evening. All backroads in the mountains speeds ranges from 35 to 55 mph, probably averaged about 45 mph. A typical day roadtrip for us.
Hoping we can overshoot the range estimate on the Slate by a similar margin on a similar trip. If so, the Slate is our perfect choice for Antique shopping in the area.
That will be one of the first things I try with it.

 

[sodamo]

It is likely, too, that this can be a third vehicle for our household. The plan is to purchase outright, then our only vehicle payment is my partner's perpetual leased vehicle. Our son can take drivers ed now, but has zero interesting driving. Plus, he has ADHD and is so distractable, driving in a year may not be the best idea anyway. All that to say, we'd still have an ICEV that can haul all of us on longer trips if we need to. I would simply rather not have 3 vehicles if I can help it.
Again, totally first world worries here.
Really, am more interested to hear other's thought process around decision making like this. I really think the Slate is special, and I really want it to succeed.

Can’t really help one direction or other, but…
you mention partner, our son, so will assume mother/wife.
That would mean in my house that concerns would be shared, discussed until mutual agreement that either it is a concern that we overcome or a concern that results in a new decision. Our decision, not my decision.

 

[LordHyphen]

So this thread has me curious about what to do should I get the SUV. For a daily driver I'd prolly do 100 miles a day round trip, so I'd charge it every couple days. No biggie.

Every year we drive from VA to Jersey via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel/Rte. 13 and eventually the Jersey Turnpike. Six hours, 350 or so miles. Somewhere near the Maryland/Delaware line we usually stop at Royal Farms to top off the gas tank, stretch, pee, etc. Usually about a 15-20 min. pit stop.

Anyway, with a 205 mi. range, I'd prolly drive about 150 miles by the time we stop. If I'm stopping for 20 or so minutes anyway why not turn it into a recharge? I guess it would be an issue if we were going a little further. But this thread is now giving me second thoughts.

 

[EV Trek]

So this thread has me curious about what to do should I get the SUV. For a daily driver I'd prolly do 100 miles a day round trip, so I'd charge it every couple days. No biggie.

Every year we drive from VA to Jersey via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel/Rte. 13 and eventually the Jersey Turnpike. Six hours, 350 or so miles. Somewhere near the Maryland/Delaware line we usually stop at Royal Farms to top off the gas tank, stretch, pee, etc. Usually about a 15-20 min. pit stop.

Anyway, with a 205 mi. range, I'd prolly drive about 150 miles by the time we stop. If I'm stopping for 20 or so minutes anyway why not turn it into a recharge? I guess it would be an issue if we were going a little further. But this thread is now giving me second thoughts.

At my age stopping every 3 hours is pretty much a given. On trips in our Equinox EV even though we could easily go 250 miles between stops we still stop every 180 or so miles, by the time we grab a snack and bathroom break and plan the next stop it’s ready for the next leg.