Why do YOU want a Slate?

[sodamo]

I get the sense a lot of people here are older and are looking at the Slate as a secondary car. I think I'm an outlier here. I'm in my twenties, and my hypothetical Slate would be my first real car purchase separate from my parents.

I was looking into new cars without an integrated touchscreen, and was surprised to find that there are zero options for that. So that's my primary reason for looking at Slate, but it just so happens to check almost all of my other preferences too.

• pickup truck
• electric
• crank windows
• compact

all of the above are my biggest preferences, so the existence of the Slate Truck is an absolute miracle for me. No competition (although I wish there was).

Hang in there, most of us have been there 😁

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

Wanted electric since I was 14, wanted a small pick up to replace my Ranger, this is both. Don't need AWD, don't need impressive 0-60, don't need crew cab, don't need more then 500# towing, don't need "self driving". Want my own sound system.
Further thoughts; Not sure how much I want to add to the base Slate. I am expecting some "introductory offers" on services like wraps. But that will be a value-benefit decision.
If Slate goes under, at least with the base Slate I should be able to DIY most service or find someone with the skill set to keep it going.
If Slate becomes the next big thing, I may start to trick it out...but...That depends on what and where access points are; Hard points and electrical.
So I try to wait for the Slate U videos, schematics, parts list and pricing.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

What caused your interest i the beginning?

The initial appeal was a new, truly small, single cab, electric truck for $20,0000 grand. A real steal in April 2025.

• Then, to quote Lando Calrissian, "This deal is getting worse all the time".
• Or to use a tired aphorism, "The devil is in the details".
• Or to use a quote from Savage Geese (when they reviewed the original Maverick), "All is forgiven at $20,000". But maybe not at $30,000.

So I'm cheering for Slate. But I plan to own one vicariously for a while - following all of you fine folk as you hopefully share your Slate ownership experience with those of us best defined as cautious laggards. If you don't get eaten by the lion, maybe we'll venture down the trail after you.

The great news for early adopters? Well, if the lion doesn't grab and eat you, you get first dibs on those delicious looking Slate mangos at the other end of the trail.

 

[Johnny5]

Regular ol' truck, affordable, electric, yup that's it.

 

[drizzle]

I want a affordable SMALL pick up truck, that’s really it and this will be one of the only options

 

[fredfein]

I work 2.5 miles from my home.
I'm going to retire in a year or two.
My only real hobby is hiking.

The Slate will be perfect for the wife & I to go hike, go to the store, etc ..

I love the crank windows and the simple controls.

Hurry up and build mine ....

 

[E90400K]

No moving parts either. One touchscreen can replace a whole HVAC control setup, heated seat switches, etc, all for the low low price of one 10'' tablet display! I liked the brief period where the backup cameras were integrated into the rearview mirrors.

Not arguing, but isn't Slate's position that a full up infotainment system screen and the commensurate transfer of normal physically-controlled functions to it as more expensive than physical buttons due to the need to build and maintain a custom software suite for the required CANBUS?

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

I want a inexpensive, low maintenance, simple transporter that is compact and easy to drive around and park. That it is a mini-truck is a bonus. The $20k price is what got me to get onboard, at $30k I will have to think about it more. The devil is in the details though. It needs to be comfortable but not luxurious. It needs to be stable to drive at interstate speeds (65mph), but not race car speed (100+mph). I don't care if it is EV, Gasoline, Diesel or wind-up so long as the total cost of long term ownership is good.

 

[Bayfire2441]

Having owned a new Hyundai, one of the main things that draws me to the Slate is its lack extra features as well as what seems to be a rather right to repair friendly approach going in. I did want an EV for my next vehicle so that's nice. Being a reasonable size and liking the design certainly helps along with the customization aspect. Assuming all of that is followed through, a low price is nice but isn't the main thing keeping me here.

 

[danielt1263]

I am looking for the cheapest new vehicle that can tow my boat without voiding the warranty. All indicators pointed to the Maverick. I didn't like the truck, mainly I think because of the four doors; I've never bought a four door in my life.

I was about to swallow the bile in the back of my throat and make the purchase when Slate was announced. Not only is it going to be about the same or less than a Maverick, but being an EV means less cost of ownership.

So now I say, I'm looking for the cheapest, new, electric vehicle that can tow my boat without voiding the warranty.

 

[aquaman811]

I have an EV6 that I love, but in my everyday life, I could use a vehicle I can haul bigger things & not worry about the interior of my car. Also, I love the simplicity of the idea, my EV6 has all the tech I need & it’s not all foolproof. The Slate is closer to my ‘62 Studebaker Lark in basic transportation form. (Not getting rid of the EV6, though, I love it too much!)

 

[NMNeil]

It's electric and as I already have solar powering my house so no more being held to ransom by Iran etc.
No big screen TV where a couple of simple gauges would work just fine.
Not connected to the internet so no over the air updates to brick the whole system.
With no internet no chance of Slate adding subscription services later.
And simple enough to be fixed with a hammer and screwdriver not a subscription to a diagnostic service to make a replacement part work.

 

[seaflyer]

Simplicity
DIY Repairs
Plastic Body Panels
Simplicity
Electric
Pickup
Simplicity

 

[LATES]

Composite Body Panels Not thin steel or aluminum
with thin paint that is dented and chipped all the
time Upsetting my sense of order in the world.

This Truck has a footprint similar to my 1974 Toyota
Hi Lux. With the short bed.

Electric

 

[4hotshoes]

I love the basic simplicity that is no longer found in any vehicle models. I don't care if it is gas or EV or hybrid. I wish Honda would bring back the simple Element or make a Ridgeline without all the technological bells and whistles. Crank windows got my attention. I love the "bring your own tech." I hope the Slate becomes wildly successful to send a message to other car makers. Simple is better for many of us. It is an untapped market.