Modular accessories push Slate electric SUV towards $40,000 before extras
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The newly added details show how quickly optional parts can push a Slate electric vehicle towards $40,000, weakening the appeal of its low starting price. The article uses a 1970s Ford Bronco-inspired build to illustrate both the truck’s modular design and the risk of spending heavily on customisation.
The squareback SUV version starts at $29,950, compared with $24,950 for the basic two-seat pickup. The proposed build adds a copper wrap, retro decals, bumpers, fog lights, all-terrain tyres and a roof rack; its lift kit and some interior accents are still unpriced. Slate estimates 205 miles of range for the base pickup, and the heavier SUV is likely to manage less; its rear-wheel drive is better suited to dirt roads and snowy driveways than demanding trails.
- A Bronco-inspired build nears $40,000 before some extras.
- The squareback SUV starts at $29,950.
- Added weight may reduce the base pickup’s 205-mile range.
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Slate is a planned electric vehicle from US company Slate Auto, designed around a simple two-seat pickup that owners can customise with add-on parts. A removable rear body section can turn it into a squareback SUV, while accessories change its appearance or add equipment.
The company’s low starting prices cover the basic vehicles, while options cost extra and can add up quickly. The pickup is estimated to travel 205 miles on a charge; the SUV’s extra weight is expected to reduce its range. Its rear-wheel drive is intended for everyday use and easier rough roads, rather than demanding off-road driving.
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The case for
The modular design lets buyers tailor the vehicle to their needs and style, while the $29,950 SUV starting price offers a relatively accessible entry point for an electric vehicle. Optional parts can be added gradually, giving customers choice over what they value rather than requiring everyone to pay for a fully equipped model.
The case against
The low headline price may understate what buyers will spend if they want the distinctive, more capable-looking vehicle shown in the article. With accessories quickly pushing the cost towards $40,000, some parts still unpriced, and the heavier SUV likely to have less than the base pickup’s estimated 205-mile range, shoppers may find the real-world value less compelling.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Here’s how we would build out the perfect modular electric Slate truck”.