# Slate’s budget electric truck prototype wins praise for practical driving experience

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/what-i-learned-driving-the-slate-electric-truck-prototype/
- Published: 2026-11-04T15:42:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T16:47:08+00:00
- Original publisher: Ars Technica
- Original article: https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/11/what-i-learned-driving-the-slate-electric-truck-prototype/
- Topics: Software

## Key points

- 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.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.