In Los Angeles, the start-up Slate Car presented his first litter: the Slate Truck.
A small, all-electric pickup truck with an entry-level price of about 18.000 € (according to US funding, converted) could hit a nerve.
Slate Truck – Electric Pickup
The whole thing is financially supported by Jeff Bezos, among others. Instead of high-tech gadgets, Slate focuses on the essentials – and does so consistently. The concept: Only one trim level, only one color (Schiefergrau), two seats, two doors, a simple interior without infotainment, but with Cranks for the windows.
Instead of a touchscreen, there's a holder for a smartphone or tablet, optional speakers—or you can simply place a Bluetooth speaker on the dashboard. The climate control is manual. It doesn't get much more basic than that.
Technical data and range
Under the hood sits single electric motor on the rear axle with 204 PS and 400 Nm torqueThere are two battery packs to choose from: One 52,7-kWh battery with about 240 km range and optionally 84,3-kWh battery for around 385 km.
From 0 to 100 km/h it goes in 8 seconds, the maximum speed is 145 km/h – not sporty, but perfectly adequate. On the chassis side, Slate relies on a MacPherson front axle and De Dion rear axle, as known from the Mercedes G-model, for example.
Standard equipment includes Steel rims with 245/65R17 tires Despite the low-budget approach, there is Emergency braking assistant and collision warning as standardThe optional SUV conversion kit even includes additional rear airbags.
Compact dimensions, limited usability
A Length of 4,45 m The Slate Truck is shorter than a Honda Civic and significantly smaller than typical US pickups like the Ford Maverick.
The load area measures around 1,5 m, in addition there is a Storage space with about 2 m². The vehicle weighs 1.630 kgthe Payload is 650 kgthe Trailer load near 450 kg – this is sufficient for smaller tasks, but is no revelation for craftsmen.
DIY accessories and modifications
Slate wants to regulate a lot about accessories. From Foiling kit until complete Conversion to an SUV with five seatsA wide range of features, including airbags, is planned. An add-on for the cargo area even visually resembles classic Range Rover models. The modifications are intended to be do-it-yourself or installable by workshops.
Direct sales as a business model
The Slate Truck is for sale directly to the customer – without dealers, without detours. Repairs and maintenance should be carried out in local service centers. Sounds logical, but it's also ambitious.
Whether the start-up will be able to prevail with this remains to be seen – also because US subsidies for electric cars could soon be eliminated and the price would then be difficult to maintain. You can find all further information about the Slate Truck in the video. Image and video credits/source: Slate Car | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
