Is the Slate EV Truck Worth the Hype?
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! As a tech and EV enthusiast, I'm always on the lookout for the next big thing in electric vehicles. Recently, I came across the new Slate EV truck, and it initially got me pretty excited. Priced at a starting point of $27,000 (with potential eligibility for a $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing it down to around $20,000), it seemed like a game-changer for budget-conscious buyers. But after diving deeper into reviews and specs, my enthusiasm waned a bit. Let me break it all down for you in this post.
What Makes the Slate EV Truck Stand Out?
First off, let's talk specs. This truck comes with options for a 52 kW or 84 kW battery, offering a range of either 150 miles or 240 miles on a single charge. It's rear-wheel drive and supports ACS, which means you can plug it into Tesla Superchargers for convenient charging on the go. The design is compact—think mini truck vibes—with just two doors and a small bed in the back. What I found really intriguing is its configurability; you can transform it into an SUV-like setup or other variations, making it versatile for different needs.
However, there's a catch. This truck is stripped down to the basics—no fancy infotainment screen, just a simple phone holder. And yes, we're talking crank windows here, which feels like a throwback to older vehicles. Slate Auto is clearly aiming for the cheapest electric truck possible, cutting out all the luxury amenities to keep costs low.
My Honest Thoughts: Excitement to Skepticism
When I first heard about this truck, I was all in. In a market flooded with high-end options like the Cybertruck (which, by the way, is seeing used prices drop to around $64,000 at auctions), a $20,000 EV truck sounded revolutionary. I even checked out live events and videos from folks like Kilawatts, and the retro-ish look grew on me. It's got that charming, no-frills aesthetic that could appeal to adventurers or urban dwellers.
But after watching more reviews, I started questioning its appeal. It's so decontented—lacking modern features—that I wonder who it's really for. If you're someone who wants a reliable workhorse for light duties, it might fit the bill. On the flip side, compared to those cool Japanese mini trucks you can snag for $5,000 to $10,000 (some of which are even converted to electric), this one feels like it might not offer enough bang for the buck. Would I have more fun with a gas-powered alternative? Probably, but EVs have their own perks, like zero emissions and potentially lower long-term costs.
At the end of the day, I'm not entirely sold. The market is evolving quickly, and while affordability is key, features matter too. What do you think—would you drop $20,000 to $25,000 on this Slate EV truck?
A Quick Note on EV Accessories
Speaking of EVs, if you're a Tesla owner (or planning to be one), you know how bare-bones they can be straight out of the box—no accessories included, not even a phone mount! That's where my partners at Joah come in. They've got some must-have items that every EV owner should consider:
- Phone Mount: Keeps your phone secure during those quick accelerations.
- Center Console Organizer: Prevents your stuff from getting lost in the chaos.
- Invisible Underscreen Station Mount: Perfect for stashing sunglasses or small items.
And that's just the start. Joah also offers a wireless game controller for entertainment, a portable air compressor for road trips, and even an electric scooter for those short walks to chargers. I personally use all of these, and they're top-notch. Use my promo code in the description below to save some money and get free shipping on orders over $120. It supports the channel too—win-win!
Final Thoughts
The Slate EV truck is an interesting entry into the electric vehicle space, especially for those on a budget. It's affordable, configurable, and eco-friendly, but its stripped-down nature might turn off buyers looking for more modern comforts. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments—would you consider buying one, or do you think there are better options out there? As always, thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more EV updates!
Stay charged,
DennisCW
