Jeff Bezos Backed $20K EV Truck Revealed – No Touchscreen, No Dealerships!

Summary

Slate Auto has entered the electric vehicle market with its first model, a compact electric pickup truck priced at $20,000 after federal tax incentives. With a minimalist design, it features a universal phone mount, crank windows, and simple controls. The truck offers two battery options, with ranges from 150 to 240 miles. It has a rear-mounted motor generating 201 horsepower and includes safety features like emergency braking. The truck is highly customizable, with DIY accessories and even a conversion kit for a 5-passenger SUV. Slate aims to provide a simple, affordable EV, challenging traditional automotive models.

Takeaways

• 😀 Slate Auto has entered the electric vehicle market with its new compact pickup truck.
• 😀 The truck is priced at $20,000 after federal tax incentives, making it affordable in the EV market.
• 😀 It features a minimalist design, with no touchscreen but offers a universal phone/tablet mount.
• 😀 The truck is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 201 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
• 😀 Two battery options are available: a 52.7 kWh pack for 150 miles of range and an 84.3 kWh pack for 240 miles of range.
• 😀 The truck accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph.
• 😀 It features McPherson struts in the front and a De Dion rear suspension, similar to the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
• 😀 Customization options include DIY kits and accessories like wraps and parts to transform the truck into a five-passenger SUV.
• 😀 The truck is compact, measuring 174.6 inches long, shorter than a Honda Civic, but still offers a 5-ft bed and a front trunk with 7 cubic feet of storage.
• 😀 Despite its size, it has a payload capacity of 1,433 lbs and a tow rating of 1,000 lbs.
• 😀 Slate aims to sell directly to consumers and open local service centers, bypassing traditional dealerships.

Q & A

What is the name of the new electric vehicle model from Slate Auto?

The new electric vehicle model from Slate Auto is simply named 'the truck'.

How much does Slate's electric truck cost after federal tax incentives?

The starting price of Slate's electric truck is $20,000 after federal tax incentives.

Who is backing Slate Auto in part?

Slate Auto is backed in part by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

What is the layout and design approach of the truck?

The truck features a minimalist design, with a two-door, two-seat layout painted in slate gray. It also lacks a touchscreen and instead uses a universal phone or tablet mount.

What kind of powertrain does the truck have?

The truck is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 201 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

What battery options are available for the truck, and what are their ranges?

The truck offers two battery options: a base 52.7 kWh pack with 150 miles of range and an 84.3 kWh pack with 240 miles of range.

How fast can Slate's electric truck accelerate, and what is its top speed?

The truck accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph.

What are the suspension and wheel details of the truck?

The truck features McPherson struts in the front and a De Dion layout in the rear. It comes with steel wheels and 245/65 R17 tires.

What safety features does the truck include?

The truck comes standard with autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning.

How customizable is Slate's electric truck?

Slate's truck offers various do-it-yourself or installable accessories, including wraps, custom parts, and even kits to transform it into a five-passenger SUV.

What are the dimensions and cargo capacity of the truck?

The truck is 174.6 inches long, shorter than a Honda Civic hatchback. It has a 5-foot bed, a front trunk offering 7 cubic feet of storage, a payload capacity of 1,433 lbs, and a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs.

What is Slate's sales strategy for the truck?

Slate plans to sell the truck directly to consumers, bypassing dealerships and instead opening local service centers.

What challenges might Slate face in the production of its truck?

Slate may face challenges due to fluctuating production costs and changes in tax credits, but the goal remains to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable.

Who is the target market for Slate's electric truck?

The target market for Slate's electric truck includes urban drivers and weekend adventurers who are looking for a simple, affordable, and functional electric vehicle.