Unrealistic Delivery Date

[SlatePower]

Our problem at the present time (at least fore some of us) is inflation.
Doesn't really matter 'when' if the latter destroys our buying power any further, Slate prices soar and/or if the government decides (as it should) that we shouldn't be helping anyone purchase anything let alone expensive stuff.

 

[cadblu]

I am now thinking that, assuming no major setbacks, Slate will meet its limited production target delivery by 4Q26… within a few months of their original projection.

Using Scout Motors as a reference, they are currently building a brand new factory in SC from the ground up and projecting deliveries to start in 2027. In contrast, Slate has already secured an existing publishing facility in Indiana that is suited for automotive manufacturing. It’s not unreasonable to turn that Warsaw facility around in one year with an experienced construction management team. I understand that Slate and Scout may appeal to different customers but I’m just comparing the project timelines for each.

Both Slate and Scout have mature designs and working prototypes, with vehicle environmental testing / crash safety already underway. Time to market is absolutely critical; major delays will cause prospective buyers to lose interest.

 

[Marty1000]

As we all know BYD is the Toyota of China and now that it has introduced the "Shark truck" to the Mexican market with direct attack on the Ranger and Colorado vehicles there, it would not be very hard for them to beat Slate in their game one year from now. It will be interesting if we can keep China out from our US market by end of 2026. If vehicle price is the key driver for Slate to win consumers I am sure BYD could under cut it with their size and manufacturing capability.

 

[cvollers]

I am now thinking that, assuming no major setbacks, Slate will meet its limited production target delivery by 4Q26… within a few months of their original projection.

Using Scout Motors as a reference, they are currently building a brand new factory in SC from the ground up and projecting deliveries to start in 2027. In contrast, Slate has already secured an existing publishing facility in Indiana that is suited for automotive manufacturing. It’s not unreasonable to turn that Warsaw facility around in one year with an experienced construction management team. I understand that Slate and Scout may appeal to different customers but I’m just comparing the project timelines for each.

Both Slate and Scout have mature designs and working prototypes, with vehicle environmental testing / crash safety already underway. Time to market is absolutely critical; major delays will cause prospective buyers to lose interest.

I love what both Scout and Slate are doing and agree that their missions are different with a small amount of target market overlap (they are both EVs). The Scout is an extremely capable, off road vehicle that just happens to be an EV. Pricing is meant to undercut Rivian R1T/S, but also Toyota Land Cruiser. It represents the very peak of technology and user interface design and is trying to win share in a crowded market. The Slate is primarily an on road vehicle that is carving out a market that doesn't exist using EV, low cost, simplicity, and customization as the disrupter. In a way it is almost anti-technology (no screens, no built-in infotainment, only one camera in back) and because of that it seems refreshing and also a bit nostalgic. No one is going to need to learn how to operate a Slate...just get in and go.

 

[dcgray2]

I wonder with the founders tech inspired background how much AI they are using to simulate the production line and processes and build a virtual factory. Starting from a clean sheet of paper that should be easier for them than it would be for an existing manufacturer.

 

[Luxrage]

I am not gonna be overly optimistic, I've followed the rise and fall of a ton of automakers, from Canoo, Elio, and even some non EV ones (remember Carbon Motor's police cars in the mid 00s?).

I think under the right management they'll be able to meet their production goal for the actual truck, but I wouldn't be surprised if, like the Cybertruck, some accessories end up on the back burner. I could see getting the slate with the wrap and then having to wait 6-months for the spare tire holder or roof racks or something like that.

 

[JeffVA]

I am not gonna be overly optimistic, I've followed the rise and fall of a ton of automakers, from Canoo, Elio, and even some non EV ones (remember Carbon Motor's police cars in the mid 00s?).

I think under the right management they'll be able to meet their production goal for the actual truck, but I wouldn't be surprised if, like the Cybertruck, some accessories end up on the back burner. I could see getting the slate with the wrap and then having to wait 6-months for the spare tire holder or roof racks or something like that.

I think with the new $1B investment and factory that they will start producing a limited number on time just to say they met their commitment. More like hundreds, not thousands. I hope they have all the kinks worked out before I get mine

 

[greencatdude]

You never know- if most of their parts are truly off the shelf- with no factory options (besides extra range battery) and no paint options, their production ramp up should be about as simple as it gets in the automotive world. There is a fair chance that they might be able to meet their goal.

 

[Blackspots76]

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.

Yeah, I don't think there was ever an actual intent to release any vehicles from Elio. They did buy the old GM manufacturing plant in Shreveport, however. They still exist, too. They've updated the car to be an EV now.

Their website is broken https://www.eliomotors.com/ and if you refresh, you're immediately rate limited.

 

[lgerger]

Time will tell

We'll see.

 

[Karl Childers]

I don't know what number we were, but Ford announced 100k in orders about 1 month after we ordered. It took 17 months to get it and we were bumped to a 2023 model year. It was worth the wait, we were able to save and buy it outright without financing (first new vehicle i did not finance). I am hoping to have funds ready for Slate when it comes out. Car payments suck.

 

[AL-Derby]

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.

It sounds like the modules will be out sourced and assembled in their Warsaw plant. I come from a refrigeration background and one manufacturer didn’t actually make their parts. They outsource everything and assembled it in their factory. For the longest time the only thing they made was glass door cases. Very successful company.