Slate Electric Truck

[KARNUT]

Can you see this being more than just a fad? 

[Yotaman]

If it was about 17K with a Toyota 22R engine in it they would sell like hot cakes.

 

Yotaman

[KARNUT]

21 minutes ago, Yotaman said:

If it was about 17K with a Toyota 22R engine in it they would sell like hot cakes.

 

Yotaman

We had two Toyota’s with that engine in the mid 80s. We had 50 gallon fuel tanks, a toolbox full of tools, an air compressor and assorted parts for our equipment. We beat those up and down pipeline ROWs until we started buying diesel trucks. Then they became parts runners and first vehicles for our teenagers first cars. Our shop Forman wrecked them both two years apart when we hired him out of high school as an apprentice. Good thing he’s an excellent mechanic. It took awhile before he could be called a good driver.

[Atlas]

The entry price point and utility/versatility should be a pretty good hit.

 

The initial release is a fad, sure, look at the people lined up out the door to buy one before they're even available. But that's any novel release. The proof of adoption is what happens to the car in the used market and as we're seeing with EV's they're affordable staples of both primary and commuter transportation in populated areas.

[RyanbabZ71]

I like the idea.  I thought about putting a deposit a few years ago when they first dropped.  I still want to drive one and have inquired about doing this with them, like a ride and drive event they said they are coming but it hasnt happened even with them built in Indiana.  

[KARNUT]

As much as I’m intrigued by the whole idea. As long as there’s a gas alternative for about the same price. I’m going to wait awhile. I was initially captured by the performance of electric vehicles. So I’m on the wait and see list.

[asilverblazer]

For me, they would be a great second vehicle or daily driver. I'd still need my ICE truck for long hauls.

 

Weird comparison, here SXS and UTV's can be driven on the road, what I've seen, their price point is generally higher than this vehicle. While one is strictly intended for recreation the other is more useful. 

 

Another comparison, is where these land in the greater vehicle market, a decent used mid-size truck like a Colorado is a likely competitor, or even the smaller Maverick.

 

So, for 20K what am I wasting my money on? I'd rather have an older K5.

 

[Atlas]

I am reminded we actually have a deposit on one. The other half did this before we sorted out our next EV purchase. So, we will be applying for our refund. It was only $50 to save a spot in line.

 

Instead, we will be taking delivery of a 2027 BMW iX3 M Sport in November. Already ordered and the production date is set for September. We considered a Rivian R3, briefly considered a BMW i4, more fun but less practical, and gave the new Scout some scrutiny as well, but we need to replace a car in November so the timing isn't right. We looked at Volvos too but they weren't quite our speed. Nice cars, and I was disappointed to hear Polestar is exiting the US market.

[Grumpy Bear]

We have a deposit on one. Dizzy is going to need a replacement sooner that later.

 

We live equidistant from two towns 40 miles apart and the range of this the vehicle is in that sweet spot. Plus it's plastic and sans paint! I have 220 V in the garage so a station is not much of a lift. 

 

Wife wants the square back SUV variant and I want the extended battery. No frills salt truck for those mindless runs to town that eat up fuel economy on the gas burners and waist them away in winter salt. Plus I can sit my beer on it without worrying about a scratch.  No midwinter, on my back in the snow oil changes.  

 

I figure it is the cheapest way into dipping a toe into the EV market. Plus it serves a utility. 

[Donstar]

I am a huge fan of the Slate.  (SUV for her, base pickup for me.)  Unfortunately, there are no plans to sell in Canada but maybe this will change.  I think if/when Ford offered a high range. EV Maverick, it would be my first choice.

[newdude]

On 6/29/2026 at 2:29 PM, asilverblazer said:

 

Another comparison, is where these land in the greater vehicle market, a decent used mid-size truck like a Colorado is a likely competitor, or even the smaller Maverick.

 

 

 

Counterpoint.
 

There is no used EV trucks on the market sub $30,000 with low mileage or no mileage.  Cheapest F150 Lightning I can find is $30,500 and its got 66,000mi.  Next cheapest was $33,000 and had 81,000mi.  So going on 5 years old, and that leaves only 2-3 years left of battery warranty, or 20,000-40,000mi left of that time.  

 

Maverick has the hybrid but its still ICE, and Colorado/Canyon/Frontier/Tacoma/Ranger are all ICE.  If someone was set on an EV, they wouldn't cross shop.  

Edited 1 hour ago by newdude