quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
You guys that want a ICE in this truck are missing the point. It's not possible due to CAFE standards.

Video explaining CAFE standards

That's a government restriction, not a technology limitation. Currently Slate has to abide by it, but it can be changed. I could live with the EV version, but I'd prefer a basic OHV 4 cylinder.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
You guys that want a ICE in this truck are missing the point. It's not possible due to CAFE standards.

Video explaining CAFE standards

That's a government restriction, not a technology limitation. Currently Slate has to abide by it, but it can be changed. I could live with the EV version, but I'd prefer a basic OHV 4 cylinder.

Unless you are planning trips into the outer territories after the apocalypse a EV is much easier to drive and charge than people think.

I thought the same until we got one, wife had range anxiety initally as well until she drove it enough that she figured it out, zero issues.

With all the chargers available, it's just no longer an issue, especially if you put a level 2 charger in your home, you never go charge anywhere for local use which is 99.99% of the time.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:

Unless you are planning trips into the outer territories after the apocalypse a EV is much easier to drive and charge than people think.

I thought the same until we got one, wife had range anxiety initally as well until she drove it enough that she figured it out, zero issues.

With all the chargers available, it's just no longer an issue, especially if you put a level 2 charger in your home, you never go charge anywhere for local use which is 99.99% of the time.

I’ve heard similar for 12 years now. I got my lil cheap ass EV hatchback for local driving in Feb 2014. It’s a non-issue. Range anxiety is a thing for people who have no experience. Most people drive 30 or so miles a day.

But think about it like this…if the Slate EV is very successful, and I think it will be for local contractors, and for buyers looking for a cheap DD or commuter..then what will happen is Toyota, etc, will respond and offer the same thing in a petrol version. 2 door truck, small, like the Nissans and Isuzus of the 1990’s. They won’t sit idly by, and watch a new Bezos powered auto maker come on the scene, and sell a bunch of vehicles while they just sit there like idiots. If anything the Slate will drive multiple auto mfr’s to build small trucks again, gas powered.

Isn't that a good thing, driving innovation and competition provides alternatives and better pricing for consumers.

How great would it be to find sub $30K trucks being offered.

Hilux, Ranger, S-10/15, all would be good.

quote:

Originally posted by Skull Leader:
You guys that want a ICE in this truck are missing the point. It's not possible due to CAFE standards.

Video explaining CAFE standards

CAFE is irrelevant now.

As of July 2025, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) civil penalties have been effectively set to zero for violating fuel efficiency standards, following legislative changes in the "One Big Beautiful Bill".

+++++Older Thread++++++

They are starting to roll them out if anyone is interested, $25k.

August 26-30, 2026 - Portland, OR
Portland Demo Ride
Go for a ride in the Slate. Please book an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome to join the waitlist. | 10am-6pm. 9585 S.W. Washington Square, Portland, OR 97223. | Use the link below to book a ride. Don't have an account? Create one to sign up.

REQUEST A RIDE
September 3-7, 2026 - Gardena, CA
Gardena Demo Ride
Demo rides are fully booked. Walk-ups are welcome to join the waitlist and we'll try to accommodate after RSVPs. | 9am-5pm. | 17700 S Figueroa St, Gardena, CA 90248

September 9-13, 2026 - San Diego, CA
San Diego Demo Ride
Go for a ride in the Slate. Please book an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome to join the waitlist. | 10am-6pm | Gocar Tours, 3918 Mason St San Diego, CA 92110

September 16-20, 2026 - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale Demo Ride
Go for a ride in the Slate. Please book an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome to join the waitlist. | 10am-6pm. Kierland Commons: 15044 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

https://www.slate.auto/en/events

Just put my name in on Pre-Order for a Ford Fathom, it should be out by the time our Lease is up on one of the EQEV's and that is on the short list.

If there is a market for no power windows/locks, no navigation, no advanced cruise, no auto pilot and stuff like that..
This will test that theory.

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:
If there is a market for no power windows/locks, no navigation, no advanced cruise, no auto pilot and stuff like that..
This will test that theory.

I'm interested in seeing if they (i.e. brand new manufacturer) can execute well enough to have a meaningful reliability increase by not having all of the overly complex systems. For decades, the luxury car brands lagged behind mainline car reliability due to all of the gadgets and electronic wizardry, but then computer chips exploded into everything more than doubling the amount in a vehicle in a short time.

quote:

Originally posted by rizzle:
If there is a market for no power windows/locks, no navigation, no advanced cruise, no auto pilot and stuff like that..
This will test that theory.

Power windows and locks I'm fine with or w/o them. Advanced adaptive cruise I hate it and I don't know what auto pilot is but it sounds like something I'd not want either.

My concern with Slate are with things like overall suspension how smoothly does it drive, handle, and ride? Build quality does it develop rattles and squeaks, is the steering precise, do little things like latches and switches break or fail?

The auto pilot is my term for the not needing to drive it stuff. For what it's worth the 1985 straight axle Toyota 4x4 would rattle your teeth out. Build quality was excellent though.
It will be interesting if just basic transportation will sell, especially with the youngsters.

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Just put my name in on Pre-Order for a Ford Fathom, it should be out by the time our Lease is up on one of the EQEV's and that is on the short list.

I am liking this one on paper. However I really really liked the Lightning on paper when they first announced it.
Then the actual release numbers not at all.

I like the idea of the Slate it is too small for me.

The Slate absolutely grabbed my attention and interest in a sub $30k truck.

Now that Ford is coming out with the Fathom for $28,350, I’m no longer interested in the Slate.

The Fathom is a 4 door with the bells and whistles for just a few thousand dollars more.

Realistically I think if you dress up either of these trucks they will be mid $30k. Still a great price in today’s market.

The Slate starts out at basically a non appointed shell and you have to add everything. Example, a radio, center console, arm rests not to mention wrapping it if you want anything other than Slate grey.

The Fathom actually has all the basics and then some. Oh yeah it’s painted too.

Just my opinion…