Here’s why I reserved the affordable and customizable Slate electric pickup truck

The electrical truck market is loaded with choices lately, however most of them really feel like they’re designed for individuals who wish to exhibit slightly than really get issues performed. Between all of the outsized touchscreens, fancy options, and costs that would make your head spin, I discovered myself turned off by a variety of the alternatives on the market. That’s the reason the Slate Truck caught my eye — and why I didn’t hesitate to place down my $50 to order one.

This distinctive truck takes a very completely different method from the massive names within the trade. It’s all about simplicity and affordability. No big infotainment display screen. No powered seats or overly sophisticated tech to get in the way in which. As a substitute, you get metal wheels, crank home windows, actual knobs for the HVAC, and the liberty to carry your personal telephone or pill to deal with navigation and music. I really respect that. It places management again the place it belongs — with the driving force.

Now, I shall be sincere right here. There are a few issues that made me pause. The truth that it doesn’t include electrical home windows or perhaps a fundamental radio is somewhat annoying. Rolling down the window by hand looks like one thing out of the Nineties, and yeah, I’d have preferred to have the ability to activate the radio with no need my telephone. However with a beginning worth anticipated to be below $20,000 after federal incentives, I’m keen to stay with these small tradeoffs.

One factor I do recognize is that Slate didn’t low cost out on the stuff that basically issues. The truck has a backup digital camera, which I think about non-negotiable lately, and the corporate tells me it’s anticipated to earn a five-star crash security ranking. You additionally get essential security options like Lively Emergency Braking, Ahead Collision Warning, and as much as eight airbags. So whereas the truck could also be fundamental, it’s not reckless.

The rear-wheel drive setup would possibly give some people pause — particularly for somebody like me residing on Lengthy Island the place snowy winters are a actuality. RWD will not be at all times excellent when the roads get icy — belief me, I drove each a RWD Thunderbird and Crown Victoria within the snow for years. However for my wants, that are principally around-town driving and the occasional haul, I feel will probably be fantastic. Plus, the Jeff Bezos-owned firm has hinted at equipment and potential upgrades down the road, so who is aware of what could be provided sooner or later.

The place the Slate Truck actually shines is in customization. As a substitute of paying additional for trim packages you do not need, you possibly can decide and select from over 100 equipment to make the truck your personal. There’s even a DIY SUV Equipment that permits you to flip the two-seat pickup right into a five-seat SUV, full with rear seating, airbags, and a roll cage. You may set up it your self or have somebody do it for you. The truck can be constructed with wrapping in thoughts, so you possibly can simply change up the look everytime you really feel prefer it.

Efficiency-wise, the truck comes with a regular 52.7kWh battery pack with a goal vary of about 150 miles, which ought to simply cowl my every day driving. If I ever want extra, there may be an elective 84.3kWh pack that pushes the vary to round 240 miles. Charging is dealt with by means of the NACS port, so I can prime off at dwelling in a single day or use quick charging to hit 80 p.c in below half-hour.

It is usually greater than only a fairly face. Regardless of the simplicity, the truck is rated for a 1433-pound payload and might tow as much as 1,000 kilos. So whether or not I’m choosing up provides or hauling gear for a weekend challenge, it ought to get the job performed with out breaking a sweat.

What actually offered me on the Slate Truck, nevertheless, is the no-nonsense pricing and direct-to-consumer method. You order on-line, and there aren’t any dealership video games to take care of (I completely hate haggling with sleazy automobile salesmen). The truck is anticipated to be manufactured proper right here in the USA (I’m a proud American), and Slate plans to supply a nationwide service community. The $50 reservation is refundable, so there may be not a lot to lose by getting in line early.

Positive, it’s nonetheless in preproduction and a few particulars may change, however the general philosophy behind the Slate Truck feels proper to me. It is a automobile constructed for individuals who simply desire a dependable, customizable, and inexpensive electrical truck — not a rolling gadget showcase. If that sounds nearly as good to you because it did to me, you possibly can head over to slate.auto to order one now.