What is Slate competing with for YOUR money?

[Doctors Do Little]

Yeah, everything is arranged for minimal convenience for this use. Dryer on inside wall, 3/4 of the way back in the garage, past the door, could possibly go down from the outlet, along the wall, under the door, garage floor is like 4 inches lower than the door, to the front wall, and probably through that wall at charger height direct to the wall mounted charger. Backing in puts the driver's side away from that corner of the garage, but the charge cable should reach.

In that situation, the cable wouldn't even be going underground, still thinking it might be best to have it in conduit or something inside the garage instead of just stapled to the wall. Garage is a potential wet area, so probably still need the UF-B wire I'm finding when I search, which the price points at both big chain hardware stores don't make sense. 50 ft roll costs more than 100 ft, of apparently identical wire, at both stores.

Highly recommend conduit. You can paint it to match garage if you like but keeps everything safe and tidy.

 

[Driven5]

My wife's EV6 can technically tow 2300 pounds if memory serves which is a pretty decent size camper.

I guess that depends on how one defines 'a pretty decent size camper'. Accounting for as-built weight increase and everything loaded into it, you're looking at needing to be well under 2000lb advertised. If you aren't well versed in towing math, your best bet is to simply keep the max trailer weight (GVWR) under your tow rating. There are only a tiny number of even tinier hardside trailers, and some pop-up tent trailers that could realistically get you there. For example, this would effectively max out your EV6 tow rating...

There's are 3 reasons a Slate cannot replace my F150. One gets towed behind it, while the other two ride in the back seat.

 

[Susan]

I want a small electric two door pickup truck, that I can use for camping trip, road trips, errands to the garden center and just getting around. I don't want a big truck. I only want two seats. I want an EV - I have no interest in a small ICE pickup truck or any other ICE vehicles.

I definitely want the longer range battery. And I don't care about AWD. I like the bucket seats, I really don't want a bench up front. Cup holders and a center console for me.

I would like a camper shell. In fact, when I first saw the SUV option, I thought that it was a camper shell, and was disappointed to learn that it wasn't. I'm hoping that it will be an option, so I can hit the road and not have to worry about stuff being stolen from an open truck bed. I don't want a tonneau cover.

I like the frunk. I looked at the Telo website, but i really don't care for the short front end of the car. It doesn't seem safe. And I really don't want four doors or a back seat. I like what I heard about the Slate - that you can see over the hood, which makes parking, etc. easier. I hate these giant trucks with their muscular hoods. No thanks.

So far, I haven't seen anything else that comes close to what I want. Looking forward to seeing one in person!

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I want a small electric two door pickup truck, that I can use for camping trip, road trips, errands to the garden center and just getting around. I don't want a big truck. I only want two seats. I want an EV - I have no interest in a small ICE pickup truck or any other ICE vehicles.

I definitely want the longer range battery. And I don't care about AWD. I like the bucket seats, I really don't want a bench up front. Cup holders and a center console for me.

I would like a camper shell. In fact, when I first saw the SUV option, I thought that it was a camper shell, and was disappointed to learn that it wasn't. I'm hoping that it will be an option, so I can hit the road and not have to worry about stuff being stolen from an open truck bed. I don't want a tonneau cover.

I like the frunk. I looked at the Telo website, but i really don't care for the short front end of the car. It doesn't seem safe. And I really don't want four doors or a back seat. I like what I heard about the Slate - that you can see over the hood, which makes parking, etc. easier. I hate these giant trucks with their muscular hoods. No thanks.

So far, I haven't seen anything else that comes close to what I want. Looking forward to seeing one in person!

Welcome, Susan! Me thinks you’re in the right place.

 

[KevinRS]

1st thing on my list is EV, have no need for a back seat, and would really be nice to be able to get sheets of plywood without cutting them down first, and 2x4s and other lumber and pipes without having to have them sticking out a window.
Other options for electric that can haul anything at all are much more expensive.

 

[Richard Killian]

Dimension wise the Slate is closer to 2 door Bronco than to the Maverick. The Slate reminds me of my ‘98 two door Tahoe at 3/4 scale. Definitely not a Kei car!

 

[AZFox]

Stumbled across this:
Kia Is Making An Electric Truck For America

• Kia confirmed a North American-bound electric pickup is coming.
• The automaker wants to sell 90,000 units per year, more than double F-150 Lightning sales
• This suggests the new EV will be smaller and cheaper than Ford's offering.

Details are still scarce, but the automaker emphasized that its new utilitarian EV will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, as well as a “robust towing system,” advanced infotainment features and some off-road chops.​

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Stumbled across this:
Kia Is Making An Electric Truck For America

• Kia confirmed a North American-bound electric pickup is coming.
• The automaker wants to sell 90,000 units per year, more than double F-150 Lightning sales
• This suggests the new EV will be smaller and cheaper than Ford's offering.

Details are still scarce, but the automaker emphasized that its new utilitarian EV will feature best-in-class interior and cargo space, as well as a “robust towing system,” advanced infotainment features and some off-road chops.​

Honestly, if my Lightning was 2" shorter and would fit in my garage and had a reliable electronics setup, I'd not consider anything else. But, if Kia brings something that is not as big, but still tows a lot, and doesn't have the pitiful Sync 4 performance with CarPlay, I'm interested. (Still getting the Slate though...b/c, you know, golf carts and stuff?)

Also,
"Hyundai is likely developing an all-electric pickup truck, potentially named the Ioniq T10, as suggested by a recent trademark filing. While Hyundai has not officially announced the truck, the filing indicates it could be a new EV crossover within the Ioniq lineup. This development aligns with Hyundai's strong focus on electric vehicles and could be a strategic move to compete in the growing electric truck market.

Further Details:

• • Ioniq T10 Trademark:
    Hyundai's trademark filing for the name "Ioniq T10" strongly suggests an upcoming electric pickup truck.
  • Potential Collaboration:
    There are also reports of Hyundai potentially collaborating with General Motors (GM) on an electric pickup truck, possibly sharing or jointly developing models like the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
  • Possible Launch Timeline:
    While no official launch date has been announced, some industry projections estimate an electric truck could arrive by late 2026.
  • Size and Features:
    The Ioniq T10 is speculated to be a larger vehicle, potentially competing with the Ford F-150 Lightning.
  • EREV Option:
    Beyond battery-electric models, Hyundai is also developing EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrains for pickup trucks, possibly including the Ioniq T10."

 

[unusual-fix_0825]

For me it’s the Telo that I am also considering. The size, quirkiness, and total super sleeper performance is attractive to me, however, I have doubts that it is going to get the investments it needs to get off the ground and into production. Their team seems much smaller and less experienced than what Slate has put together thus far.
That said, when I hear Slate talk about the vehicles design - I cannot shake not wanting to be apart of what they are trying to build. A vehicle designed for open customization and personalization that is DIY friendly. They are creating a community with this as much as they are creating a potentially game changing vehicle.
Now - I do hope they have their business model locked down with this single model single trim truck that is economically sustainable for them though. Maybe they are banking on much higher profit margins on accessories but as soon as that comes online I could see aftermarket vendors jumping in and undercutting pricing which could leave them hanging with not enough revenue to sustain them for the coming future.
We will see how this turns out here soon.

 

[Trace26]

For me it’s the Telo that I am also considering. The size, quirkiness, and total super sleeper performance is attractive to me, however, I have doubts that it is going to get the investments it needs to get off the ground and into production. Their team seems much smaller and less experienced than what Slate has put together thus far.
That said, when I hear Slate talk about the vehicles design - I cannot shake not wanting to be apart of what they are trying to build. A vehicle designed for open customization and personalization that is DIY friendly. They are creating a community with this as much as they are creating a potentially game changing vehicle.
Now - I do hope they have their business model locked down with this single model single trim truck that is economically sustainable for them though. Maybe they are banking on much higher profit margins on accessories but as soon as that comes online I could see aftermarket vendors jumping in and undercutting pricing which could leave them hanging with not enough revenue to sustain them for the coming future.
We will see how this turns out here soon.

I wonder how much being an OEM accessory will matter to the average Slate buyer? 🤔

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I wonder how much being an OEM accessory will matter to the average Slate buyer? 🤔

Depends on the component, honestly. Some things likely don’t matter (wraps/dips/sprays) and some (open air suv kit?) probably do?

 

[E90400K]

Ford Skunkworks EV small pickup.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

Ford Skunkworks EV small pickup.

Had to look that one up.

"Ford is developing a new, affordable electric pickup truck, part of their "Skunkworks" EV program, with a focus on cost and efficiency. This new platform will also underpin a compact crossover, and is designed to compete with Tesla and Chinese EV brands. The first vehicle on this platform is expected to be available in the second half of 2026, with starting prices potentially under $30,000."

So, a mid-sized EV truck in 2027...Would probably fit my use-case great, but Ford has to prove to me that they can figure out the simple stuff before I buy another EV from them. (Still waiting to get my Lightning in to fix stuff that should work every time...)

 

[E90400K]

Had to look that one up.

"Ford is developing a new, affordable electric pickup truck, part of their "Skunkworks" EV program, with a focus on cost and efficiency. This new platform will also underpin a compact crossover, and is designed to compete with Tesla and Chinese EV brands. The first vehicle on this platform is expected to be available in the second half of 2026, with starting prices potentially under $30,000."

So, a mid-sized EV truck in 2027...Would probably fit my use-case great, but Ford has to prove to me that they can figure out the simple stuff before I buy another EV from them. (Still waiting to get my Lightning in to fix stuff that should work every time...)

I have a '22 Bronco, which has been great the 3 years I've owned it. It's my 8th Ford. I like the brand. They can't be any worse than a startup like Slate.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I have a '22 Bronco, which has been great the 3 years I've owned it. It's my 8th Ford. I like the brand. They can't be any worse than a startup like Slate.

My BIL has a new Bronco and LOVES it.

I've owned many Fords over the decades (including an awful 1983 Escort!), expeditions, F150's, and my '21 F150 was awesome (until it suddenly wasn't and Ford couldn't figure it out) and now this '23 Ligtning, which drives great, but doesn't do simple things (Frunk doesn't work; Sync4 doesn't sync consistently - wireless or wired)...so, that's the legacy of Ford. Can't figure out electronics to save them. So, color me highly skeptical based on my 100% parochial experience.