Michigan-based startup Slate is growing a minimalist electrical truck with a deal with affordability and customization. The Slate Truck, concentrating on a worth under $20,000 after federal incentives, incorporates a single-cab design with a 4-by-5-foot mattress and dent-resistant composite physique panels. The car comes with primary security options together with entrance computerized emergency braking and a number of airbags, whereas intentionally omitting luxurious facilities in favor of guide controls like crank home windows.
The bottom mannequin features a 52.7-kWh battery powering a rear-mounted electrical motor producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Estimated driving vary is 150 miles, with an optionally available 84.3-kWh battery extending vary to 240 miles. The truck makes use of the NACS charging customary and gives payload capability of 1,433 kilos with 1,000 kilos of towing functionality.
What units Slate aside is its method to customization, permitting homeowners to switch almost each side of the car. The corporate plans to supply a catalog of equipment and upgrades that prospects can set up themselves, from energy home windows and heated seats to raise kits and inside trim choices. The truck’s modular design even permits conversion to a five-seat SUV by eradicating the cab-bed divider and including rear seats.
Slate goals to construct a group round consumer customization, with plans to open-source a lot of its ecosystem. The corporate will present on-line tutorials by “Slate College” exhibiting homeowners methods to modify their autos, although powertrain parts will stay inaccessible. The “Slate Maker” configurator software will permit prospects to plan their builds earlier than buy.
The corporate sees potential prospects in small companies, municipal fleets, and auto fanatics fascinated with personalization. Manufacturing is slated to start by the top of 2026, although the present prototype stays in early improvement phases. Questions stay about how the personalization ecosystem will perform and what security implications could come up from consumer modifications.
Supply: motortrend.com
