The main appeal will be the myriad of around 100 minor and major accessories one can alter to customize a basic Slate truck. I found these key take aways so far- Price: Slate Truck starts at ~$20,000 after $7,500 federal EV tax credit; base MSRP is ~$27,500 without it. No Paint: Uses unpainted gray composite body panels, eliminating paint shop costs, enhancing durability, and allowing customization via vinyl wraps. Minimalist Design: Single-motor EV with 150-mile base range (up to 240 miles optional), basic features (no touchscreen, crank windows), and DIY-friendly accessories. Manufacturing: U.S.-made in Indiana, starting late 2026, using simplified production with injection-molded plastics and single configuration. Safety and Liability: The SUV kit includes airbags and a roll cage, but questions remain about certifying DIY mods for road safety, especially compared to established brands like Jeep or Ford with robust service networks. Challenges: Limited range, basic features, tax credit uncertainty, and startup risks may hinder mainstream appeal. The Slate Truck is designed to achieve a 5-star USNCAP crash rating, as stated by Slate Auto. At the 2025 reveal event, Slate representatives reported that early internal crash testing indicates the truck is meeting these safety goals. Standard safety features include active emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear backup camera, and up to eight airbags. However, independent testing by NHTSA or IIHS has not yet been conducted, as the truck is still in the prototype phase, with production set for late 2026.
Danny A. _______________________________________________ Address messages to [email protected] No other addresses in TO and CC fields HELP: http://www.evdl.org/help/
