Unrealistic Delivery Date

[JeffVA]

Ok, the trend has always been to over promise and under deliver. Even the Ford Maverick did not meet their release date and that was Ford with every resource they could possibly need... And they couldn't do it. Shell I mention the Cyber Truck or has that running joke lost traction. I can't think of a single modern day vehicle that has met their release date. And the mind set for these companies has always been to over promise and under deliver in all of their operations and vehicle expectations.

So I predict that in the second quarter of 2026 Slate will announce the delay until probably mid 2027 and then a second delay after that. The Slate has roots close to Detroit so let's see if they hold up the Detroit mato of over promise and under deliver.

For me this will either set them apart from the rest and earn them tremendous respect or just reinforce that they are all the same.

Time will tell

 

[dcgray2]

Dunno. Seems like there's a strong tech bro influence in the group.

Hoping your pessimism is unwarranted but fearing it's probably not.

 

[Rossel]

With any new production, there are delays. I waited a year for my 2020 Corvette and 2 years for my Ford Bronco.

 

[Moosetags]

I think that Slate can meet its time-line as long as it maintains its original tenet of a very simple vehicle. If they give into demands for hundreds of bells and whistles, they will surely fall by the wayside.

Brian

 

[JeffVA]

That's how it goes. I was one of the first to reserve an Elio and we seen how that worked out. Most people here probably never heard of an Elio but there are way too many similarities between these two companies.

Paul Elio was a Detroit GM Engineer who started the company. Elio repurposed the old Hummer Plant in Louisiana to build these things with federal and local grant money. Once he had possession of the factory he auctioned off all the manufacturing equipment for millions and basically abandoned the plant after that. He collected millions in deposits he couldn't repay when he folded and when you are bankrupt the courts can't make them pay it back. He should have been tried for embezzlement.

These two companies, Slate and Elio are on extremely similar paths currently and I hope it's not just pulling off another Ponzi Sceam. Even Elio had a number of prototypes.

The Red Flag went up for me when they said "We plan to start selling these in Q4 2026" when they should have said between Q4 2026 and Q2 2027 or something similar. By making that bold prediction Slate just drew a line in the sand. If they meet that goal they will earn tremendous respect nationally and throughout the industry. If they fail to meet this goal now it will be basically an admission that they are no different so don't expect too much.

I do hope I'm wrong because I'm a big fan and really want this thing. On the other hand, what's $50 now days.

 

[raybythelake]

That's how it goes. I was one of the first to reserve an Elio and we seen how that worked out. Most people here probably never heard of an Elio but there are way too many similarities between these two companies.

Paul Elio was a Detroit GM Engineer who started the company. Elio repurposed the old Hummer Plant in Louisiana to build these things with federal and local grant money. Once he had possession of the factory he auctioned off all the manufacturing equipment for millions and basically abandoned the plant after that. He collected millions in deposits he couldn't repay when he folded and when you are bankrupt the courts can't make them pay it back. He should have been tried for embezzlement.

These two companies, Slate and Elio are on extremely similar paths currently and I hope it's not just pulling off another Ponzi Sceam. Even Elio had a number of prototypes.

The Red Flag went up for me when they said "We plan to start selling these in Q4 2026" when they should have said between Q4 2026 and Q2 2027 or something similar. By making that bold prediction Slate just drew a line in the sand. If they meet that goal they will earn tremendous respect nationally and throughout the industry. If they fail to meet this goal now it will be basically an admission that they are no different so don't expect too much.

I do hope I'm wrong because I'm a big fan and really want this thing. On the other hand, what's $50 now days.

I agree. A certain amount of skepticism is warranted here. My optimism outweighs my pessimism so they have my $50 vote. Time will tell.

 

[Moosetags]

We were first day depositors for the Rivian at $1,000. The deposit for a Slate was a no brainer.

I really hope that they make it
We need more startup US manufactures.

If they can pull this off, the Slate could become one of the best selling vehicles in the world.

Brian

 

[Deb G]

It's not just cars and trucks... my all electric New Holland T4 Electric TRactor was to be delivered early 2024. Last I heard it will be 2028.

 

[cvollers]

That's how it goes. I was one of the first to reserve an Elio and we seen how that worked out. Most people here probably never heard of an Elio but there are way too many similarities between these two companies.

Paul Elio was a Detroit GM Engineer who started the company. Elio repurposed the old Hummer Plant in Louisiana to build these things with federal and local grant money. Once he had possession of the factory he auctioned off all the manufacturing equipment for millions and basically abandoned the plant after that. He collected millions in deposits he couldn't repay when he folded and when you are bankrupt the courts can't make them pay it back. He should have been tried for embezzlement.

These two companies, Slate and Elio are on extremely similar paths currently and I hope it's not just pulling off another Ponzi Sceam. Even Elio had a number of prototypes.

The Red Flag went up for me when they said "We plan to start selling these in Q4 2026" when they should have said between Q4 2026 and Q2 2027 or something similar. By making that bold prediction Slate just drew a line in the sand. If they meet that goal they will earn tremendous respect nationally and throughout the industry. If they fail to meet this goal now it will be basically an admission that they are no different so don't expect too much.

I do hope I'm wrong because I'm a big fan and really want this thing. On the other hand, what's $50 now days.

It’s two replenishments for my Starbucks card.

 

[zipn]

They’ve cut the parts count down and limit it to one build Model. I think they’ll deliver a few by the end of 26, but think they’ll take a while,to scale up. Lot will depend on the supply chain. I also read they’ve done virtual builds on the production build so they may have fewer hiccups than most startups.

 

[Marty1000]

With the backing of billionaires they will deliver, but who knows what the market and consumers will want by that time. They say that US consumers are falling out of love for big truck and the new generation is ready to embraces this product. The global competition is not standing still so I would expect a more useful and lower price trucks will be there to compete against Slate. I suppose Slate could gain more buyers in the future by asking Apple to acquire the company?? Even if the truck fails to sell I am sure the Slate's new engineering design and manufacturing know-how would be worth few billion and could benefit Apple or some other cash rich entity.

 

[cadblu]

With the backing of billionaires they will deliver, but who knows what the market and consumers will want by that time. They say that US consumers are falling out of love for big truck and the new generation is ready to embraces this product. The global competition is not standing still so I would expect a more useful and lower price trucks will be there to compete against Slate. I suppose Slate could gain more buyers in the future by asking Apple to acquire the company?? Even if the truck fails to sell I am sure the Slate's new engineering design and manufacturing know-how would be worth few billion and could benefit Apple or some other cash rich entity.

You may recall that Apple did try to develop an EV for 10 years, but the project was officially cancelled in April 2024. But I agree that Slate manufacturing could be picked up by another more established entity. It would need to be a US based company to remain consistent with their mission statement. Interestingly, without an onboard computer or infotainment system, I don't see what a software company like Apple can bring to the table. If Slate is looking for investors to raise capital, they may need to consider going public or merge with an existing private company.

 

[JeffVA]

You may recall that Apple did try to develop an EV for 10 years, but the project was officially cancelled in April 2024. But I agree that Slate manufacturing could be picked up by another more established entity. It would need to be a US based company to remain consistent with their mission statement. Interestingly, without an onboard computer or infotainment system, I don't see what a software company like Apple can bring to the table. If Slate is looking for investors to raise capital, they may need to consider going public or merge with an existing private company.

If anyone picks up Slate it will be Bezos and Amazon. I think Jeff Bezos wouldn't pass on the opportunity to knock Elon down a notch. Amazon already has the Direct -to-Consumer logistics in place with a distribution network equal to the USPS and UPS. It's not a far reach to see your Slate delivered next day with Prime. This is just speculation but I'm sure that's already the plan and the sales pitch that got Bezos on board. Bezos doesn't just "Back" a company like Slate as one of his investments, he "Acquires" them.

 

[Marty1000]

You may recall that Apple did try to develop an EV for 10 years, but the project was officially cancelled in April 2024. But I agree that Slate manufacturing could be picked up by another more established entity. It would need to be a US based company to remain consistent with their mission statement. Interestingly, without an onboard computer or infotainment system, I don't see what a software company like Apple can bring to the table. If Slate is looking for investors to raise capital, they may need to consider going public or merge with an existing private company.

Yes, I do recall the car failed development and I also recall that Apple wanted to purchase Tesla at one time. Apple is more than just a software company and needs to have both hardware and software to prosper. They have funds and means to purchase and make it their own. Who knows maybe Tesla will sell to Apple or Amazon in the future?

 

[Shay]

Actually Ford did meet their launch date promises. The truck launched on time in fall of 2021 as promised. The reason a lot of people think it didn't was because not "everyone" who reserved and ordered prior to the start of production got their truck out of the first week or month of assembly. There was a line, a cue, and not everyone was at the very front of it.