DeluxeStang Posted April 25 Author Share Posted April 25 1 hour ago, rmc523 said: Nothing more sport truck than a vehicle that takes 8 seconds to get to 60 lol. It's a heck of a lot faster than the smaller trucks from the 80s and 90s this thing is clearly inspired by. A Chevy s-10, Ford ranger, or Nissan pickup did 0-60 in like 3-5 business days. That didn't stop people from slamming them, putting spoilers on them, and other sorts of cool street car builds. It's all relative, 8 seconds is slow for a sports car, but halfway decent for a super cheap truck inspired by 80s trucks. Stop trying to dunk on this thing, we aren't gonna agree. It's clear you don't like it, but I do. Small, cheerful, super customizable new cars are exactly the thing we need more of in modern society, I'm not gonna nit pick the one company that on paper just gave us what no-one else could. People always ask for cheap, fun cars, but then want the range, performance, and build quality of a 50k car. You can't have both. As far as I'm concerned, we need more EVs like this and I'll applaud it all day long even if it's not perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 Make this thing AWD and it could compete with many side by sides out there. Sure, it's a little bigger, but you can take it on the road as well. It would be an awesome tool for farmers / ranchers in place of a SxS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 4 hours ago, rmc523 said: I will say, a few years ago, my brother bought an old late 90s early 2000s stick shift Ranger for a couple grand with the intention being for he and I to learn how to drive a stick (my dad is rebuilding an old Jag E-type and put a manual, so this was an easy/cheap way to learn stick).....it was cheap so we didn't care about it a ton....but there was something fun about just hopping in and not really caring about anything or needing fancy equipment. But I don't know if you'd want that forever, if that makes sense? It could be fun in that sense, but even so it's till 20k after tax incentives. People are so different that I’m certain a stripped down truck like this Slate makes perfect sense to some and no sense at all to others. Personally like ditching the infotainment screen completely for this type of vehicle. Since owner can have a phone or tablet with music, GPS, Internet, etc., is it that much of a sacrifice? It’s essentially taking a page from airlines, where screens at each seat were eliminated because passengers can now travel with personal entertainment. The main challenge I see with following the KISS principle is that there is no real middle ground when seeking maximum affordability. Designing a vehicle capable of many features, to later decontent to save on cost, is not going to accomplish the same. A vehicle designed from the onset to be extremely utilitarian should not only save more on cost, but also on weight and other factors. Obviously that will limit pool of potential buyers, but those who want simplicity and low cost above all will appreciate this concept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-dubz Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 (edited) 26 minutes ago, Rick73 said: People are so different that I’m certain a stripped down truck like this Slate makes perfect sense to some and no sense at all to others. Personally like ditching the infotainment screen completely for this type of vehicle. Since owner can have a phone or tablet with music, GPS, Internet, etc., is it that much of a sacrifice? It’s essentially taking a page from airlines, where screens at each seat were eliminated because passengers can now travel with personal entertainment. The main challenge I see with following the KISS principle is that there is no real middle ground when seeking maximum affordability. Designing a vehicle capable of many features, to later decontent to save on cost, is not going to accomplish the same. A vehicle designed from the onset to be extremely utilitarian should not only save more on cost, but also on weight and other factors. Obviously that will limit pool of potential buyers, but those who want simplicity and low cost above all will appreciate this concept. I pretty much only use my screen for CarPlay and google maps but even then I can’t imagine going from a 12” screen to phone and trying to look at the map. id like to see ford incorporate some of what slate is doing though. The plastic body panels seem like they would be a good fit for off-road vehicles like bronco. If it breaks, just take it off and replace it with another. That has to be much cheaper than metal panels. Also the ease of adding parts is nice. Just need a screw driver. Imagine changing your grille or the color of your interior by just screwing some new parts on. Edited April 25 by T-dubz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted April 25 Share Posted April 25 3 hours ago, DeluxeStang said: It's a heck of a lot faster than the smaller trucks from the 80s and 90s this thing is clearly inspired by. A Chevy s-10, Ford ranger, or Nissan pickup did 0-60 in like 3-5 business days. That didn't stop people from slamming them, putting spoilers on them, and other sorts of cool street car builds. It's all relative, 8 seconds is slow for a sports car, but halfway decent for a super cheap truck inspired by 80s trucks. Stop trying to dunk on this thing, we aren't gonna agree. It's clear you don't like it, but I do. Small, cheerful, super customizable new cars are exactly the thing we need more of in modern society, I'm not gonna nit pick the one company that on paper just gave us what no-one else could. People always ask for cheap, fun cars, but then want the range, performance, and build quality of a 50k car. You can't have both. As far as I'm concerned, we need more EVs like this and I'll applaud it all day long even if it's not perfect. I'll stand corrected on 0-60 times, as I was thinking many products were lower than 8 seconds, but some are right around there....... I just feel that people have different expectations these days, especially when they hear EV, they think "fast". We'll see how it does, but I'm skeptical. I didn't say I hate it.....I like the concept of it, I just think at $28,000 (remember, not everyone will qualify for the full $7,500 credit), it's priced high considering it has a fraction of the equipment of other cars. Maverick debuted at $29,995 and came with much more equipment than this does (yes, prices are higher now, but still). I think this is getting a bit of rose-colored glasses treatment because it's "'Cheap' EV". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeluxeStang Posted April 25 Author Share Posted April 25 32 minutes ago, rmc523 said: I'll stand corrected on 0-60 times, as I was thinking many products were lower than 8 seconds, but some are right around there....... I just feel that people have different expectations these days, especially when they hear EV, they think "fast". We'll see how it does, but I'm skeptical. I didn't say I hate it.....I like the concept of it, I just think at $28,000 (remember, not everyone will qualify for the full $7,500 credit), it's priced high considering it has a fraction of the equipment of other cars. Maverick debuted at $29,995 and came with much more equipment than this does (yes, prices are higher now, but still). I think this is getting a bit of rose-colored glasses treatment because it's "'Cheap' EV". I get where you're coming from. It's mostly the customization and accessories that saved this thing for me, I just like really unique approaches like that. It's kinda like how I thought the maverick was cool when I saw the prototypes, but what made me actually buy one was the hybrid. The prospect of owning not just a small affordable truck, but one that was getting 45-60 mpg in warmer weather, and used a super proven and durable hybrid system, that's what turned the maverick into a must have. Whereas for this thing, I thought the idea was cool, I was mixed on the design when I saw it for the first time. But seeing all the insane customization and personalization you can do, something that you can't find with basically any other EV right now, massively improved the appeal factor of this product for me personally. I just really like when people enter a proven segment, like trucks, but find a really unique way to spin the idea and differentiate themselves. It doesn't always work out, but I like seeing the cool ideas on display. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeluxeStang Posted April 25 Author Share Posted April 25 38 minutes ago, rmc523 said: I'll stand corrected on 0-60 times, as I was thinking many products were lower than 8 seconds, but some are right around there....... I just feel that people have different expectations these days, especially when they hear EV, they think "fast". We'll see how it does, but I'm skeptical. I didn't say I hate it.....I like the concept of it, I just think at $28,000 (remember, not everyone will qualify for the full $7,500 credit), it's priced high considering it has a fraction of the equipment of other cars. Maverick debuted at $29,995 and came with much more equipment than this does (yes, prices are higher now, but still). I think this is getting a bit of rose-colored glasses treatment because it's "'Cheap' EV". But we'll see what Ford does with the CE1 truck and utility. I've mentioned a few times how one of the coolest ways Ford could make CE1 into more aspirational products is by offering a ton of customization and accessories to really make those evs stand out. Not to mention accessories generate a ton of profit, which is really helpful if brands want to make EVs actually profitable long term. This level of customization is exactly what I'd love to see on Ford affordable EVs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted April 26 Share Posted April 26 21 hours ago, T-dubz said: I pretty much only use my screen for CarPlay and google maps but even then I can’t imagine going from a 12” screen to phone and trying to look at the map. id like to see ford incorporate some of what slate is doing though. The plastic body panels seem like they would be a good fit for off-road vehicles like bronco. If it breaks, just take it off and replace it with another. That has to be much cheaper than metal panels. Also the ease of adding parts is nice. Just need a screw driver. Imagine changing your grille or the color of your interior by just screwing some new parts on. I can’t stand using my phone for navigation either due to screen being too small, but have had success with iPad Mini for years, and expect it would be fine for a truck like the Slate which is meant to stay close to home in the first place. I already know where I’m going so it’s mostly to check traffic congestion anyway. It’s unfortunate the screen behind steering wheel is so small on Slate, otherwise maybe it could display navigation. Pictures show tiny screen no bigger than a phone, and much smaller than iPad Mini, so it wouldn’t help much other than being located closer to line of sight. Anyway, what I really love about the Slate approach of getting back to basics is eliminating over the air updates, other than what can be accomplished through phone when necessary. The approach Tesla started of having cars that are rolling computers is not appealing to me for the most part. I prefer (for myself) a basic vehicle that happens to be driven by electricity, not a car designed for future autonomous driving. I understand the advantages of OTA updates, but don’t like associated compromises. InsideEVs article on Slate basic function and updates is interesting. https://insideevs.com/news/757681/slate-ev-screen-software-updates/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazerdude20 Posted April 26 Share Posted April 26 I believe they have an accessory that allows you to bring an iPad/tablet into the vehicle to act as the screen. Not practical for all, but I am sure there are folks that would utilize it for gps or music control…. I wonder how many will use it to watch videos while driving. 🤦🏻♂️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted April 26 Share Posted April 26 10 minutes ago, blazerdude20 said: I believe they have an accessory that allows you to bring an iPad/tablet into the vehicle to act as the screen. Not practical for all, but I am sure there are folks that would utilize it for gps or music control…. I wonder how many will use it to watch videos while driving. 🤦🏻♂️ I would assume there’ll be a more conventional plug in infotainment system too. My concern with the iPad is potential for theft. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted April 26 Share Posted April 26 40 minutes ago, blazerdude20 said: I believe they have an accessory that allows you to bring an iPad/tablet into the vehicle to act as the screen. Not practical for all, but I am sure there are folks that would utilize it for gps or music control…. I wonder how many will use it to watch videos while driving. 🤦🏻♂️ In fairness, nothing prevents that from occurring today no matter what vehicle one drives. On long trips my wife watches movies just as when in a plane. I have never done it, nor would I, but a driver could do the same. 33 minutes ago, sullynd said: I would assume there’ll be a more conventional plug in infotainment system too. My concern with the iPad is potential for theft. Yeah, me too. I always store out of site when parked for that reason, and often take it with me anyway because the larger screen of Mini makes use easier than phone. Have to admit I only take iPad on longer trips. Most trips which are close to home I don’t need or use GPS at all. I think that’s approach Slate is taking — don’t add cost on things that are rarely used or needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted April 26 Share Posted April 26 3 hours ago, Rick73 said: Yeah, me too. I always store out of site when parked for that reason, and often take it with me anyway because the larger screen of Mini makes use easier than phone. My first car had a removable pioneer headunit. The whole thing came out and you carried it with you like a lunchbox. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeluxeStang Posted April 27 Author Share Posted April 27 On 4/25/2025 at 5:06 AM, Sherminator98 said: The Slate looks like it will answer what people claim what they want, but don't actually buy. Should be interesting how this all shakes out. It's kinda like how a lot of people give the maverick a hard time because it has the very attributes they asked for. Like it's a cheap small truck and people hate on it because the bed is small, or because the interior has some cheap materials. I just don't get some people man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick73 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 10 hours ago, DeluxeStang said: It's kinda like how a lot of people give the maverick a hard time because it has the very attributes they asked for. Like it's a cheap small truck and people hate on it because the bed is small, or because the interior has some cheap materials. I just don't get some people man. In fairness, just look at Ford F-Series first quarter sales data which make it clear that being “electric” is enough to limit sales significantly, given that Lightning is otherwise pretty much the same size, has same number of doors, etc. yet only accounts for a few percent of total sales. Some will argue that weak Lightning sales are due to higher cost, but same applies to Slate if tax credit is not included. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-dubz Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 https://www.theautopian.com/the-slate-ev-would-be-a-better-peoples-car-if-it-had-a-gas-engine/ i thought this was a very good article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-dubz Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 https://www.slate.auto/en/personalization?starterPack=blankslate#slatemaker configurator is up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 9 hours ago, T-dubz said: https://www.slate.auto/en/personalization?starterPack=blankslate#slatemaker configurator is up The SUV kit is kinda cool but not crazy about those wrap options. And you can’t do wraps on an assembly line so not sure how that will work at any kind of volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sullynd Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 23 minutes ago, akirby said: The SUV kit is kinda cool but not crazy about those wrap options. And you can’t do wraps on an assembly line so not sure how that will work at any kind of volume. Im not sure the wraps are installed for you? Both Ford and Tesla offer wraps from the “Factory”. (Or at least did. I wonder how many of the planned 2k they sold). https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a44890474/2024-ford-f-150-lightning-platinum-black/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 1 hour ago, sullynd said: Im not sure the wraps are installed for you? Both Ford and Tesla offer wraps from the “Factory”. (Or at least did. I wonder how many of the planned 2k they sold). https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a44890474/2024-ford-f-150-lightning-platinum-black/ Yes the wraps can be factory installed. It’s the only way to get any color. Ford’s version was limited volume which is fine. 2 people could probably only do 3-4 per day. Maybe if the dealers/delivery centers did it then that would be more feasible. I think this is just going to be too cheaply made for most people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 The folks that wrote this article had my same concerns. You Can Buy This Pickup For $4K Less Than Slate’s EV Without Cranking A Single Window | Carscoops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 1 minute ago, akirby said: Yes the wraps can be factory installed. It’s the only way to get any color. Ford’s version was limited volume which is fine. 2 people could probably only do 3-4 per day. Maybe if the dealers/delivery centers did it then that would be more feasible. I think this is just going to be too cheaply made for most people. I agree - I think it's great in concept, but won't work at the price (sans credit) for today's market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 I remember first time I had to figure out crank windows, back in '94 in high school. Monsoon erupted and friend of mine let me in her vehicle to drive me to my parking lot on the other side of the campus. It was some little Nissan. Once I get in she asked me to open a crack in the side windows to let fresh air in (windshield was foggin up). Looked for buttons...nothing. I'm like "maybe like the cheap 3-series its in the center". Nope kept checking. I'm like "Where are your buttons" she reached across my knees worked some knob and shes like "its called crank windows"...blew my mind. I don't think today's kids will embrace a poverty truck missing the basics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackinaw Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 1 hour ago, ANTAUS said: I remember first time I had to figure out crank windows, back in '94 in high school....... My '94 F-150 has crank windows. Young people get a big kick out of that, and the vent windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbone Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 On 4/25/2025 at 8:29 AM, Sherminator98 said: One major cost issue is going to the wrap for colors-on other products, like the Mustang for example, it is a $6K option just for a matte film over the paint. I've seen quotes for aftermarket wraps starting at $4K plus Or you could the Earl Scheib special instead😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 They’re claiming the wrap kits are only $500, but that doesn’t cover installation and that’s not cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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