Technology news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Slate’s budget electric truck prototype wins praise for practical driving experience
A 45-minute drive of Slate Auto’s electric truck prototype left the reviewer more optimistic about the company’s planned $25,000 EV. Its simple controls, clear visibility and easy manoeuvring make it feel refreshingly practical, while its modest performance and utilitarian design suit its budget focus.
The prototype had nearly 6,000 miles on it, though its interior materials were not representative of the planned production model. It has a 181 hp motor, reaches 60 mph in eight seconds and can carry up to 1,500 lb in its bed; the reviewer says its strong regenerative braking takes some getting used to. Slate still needs to achieve mass production for the truck to reach buyers.
In short
- A brief drive made the reviewer more hopeful about Slate’s $25,000 electric truck.
- The prototype felt simple, practical and easy to manoeuvre.
- Slate’s next challenge is making the truck at scale.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The prototype’s simple controls, clear visibility, easy manoeuvring and useful carrying capacity suggest Slate could make an electric truck that serves everyday needs without costly extras. Its modest speed and utilitarian design may be sensible trade-offs for a planned $25,000 price, and the reviewer’s positive drive offers some evidence that the concept can work in practice.
The case against
A promising prototype does not establish that Slate can build the truck at scale, meet its planned price or deliver a production interior that buyers find acceptable. Its modest performance and strong regenerative braking may also limit its appeal or require adjustment, so the short drive is only an early indication of how the finished vehicle will perform.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Ars Technica as “What I learned driving the Slate electric truck prototype”.