Bit the bullet on a new electric vehicle.

@DuesyGuy recently mentioned ordering a Tesla Model Y Launch Edition. Not to be outdone, I just ordered my second electric vehicle. My very first EV was a 1975 CitiCar—not quite a Model Y, though I was able to fix its speed controller with a penny! My recent acquisition, due in April, is a Slate electric truck.

Why a Slate? Great question. I am a strict no-frills car owner. My daily driver is a 45-year-old VW Vanagon, which is much better known for what it doesn't have than what it does (No Power Brakes, No Power Windows, No Power Door Locks, No AC, etc.). It’s cheap to own, easy to repair, relentlessly utilitarian, and a great conversation piece.

By my austere standards, the Slate is actually overloaded with features! Here is why I chose it: Its list of "out-of-this-world" luxury features for me include: Power Steering, Power Brakes, a heater that actually works on command, and factory-installed air conditioning! Given that I seldom drive 15 miles in a day, I can easily live with the short range (150 miles). I can get 40 miles a day just plugging it into a standard household outlet, so I won't even need to mess with special home charging gear. If i ever need the range, I can goto a Tesla charging station, or I'll just rent something.

A few other reasons:
--Extreme Affordability: Starts at just $25k.
--American Made: Designed, engineered, and manufactured domestically in the U.S. using U.S.-sourced battery cells.
--Modular, and DIY Customization & Durability: Features dent-resistant composite panels built for easy personalization with wraps, and over 200 accessories including SUV bold on body, etc.
--Right-to-Repair: Engineered with open-access manuals to empower owners to handle basic maintenance themselves.

(Maybe i'll wrap it in yellow to match?) :)

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Jul 24, 2026

Reply to PeterGar62…

Replies (16)

· 1w

Color me intrigued. You must not live in a northern state as the two wheel drive could be a problem. Do you mind me asking what the deposit was to get an order in?

· 1w

I'm in Tucson AZ. Never a need for 4wd. Deposit was $300.

· 1w

Might be perfect for you Peter. I'm interested to learn more about these. We have another topic where we were talking about cheap trucks (which don't exist anymore). I think there is 100% a market in the southern and no-snow states for something like this.

I should go look, but what is the est range?

· 1w

Ok, I looked it up, 200 mile range. Fine for tooling around town all day long.

· 1w

Link to Slate.

No commissions earned for this link. :)

https://slate.auto

· 1w

The module design and configurations make sense. Wonder how much the maxed out SUV version will cost?

· 1w

$30k+depending on your definition of maxed out.

· 1w

https://www.slate.auto/en/store/ACCTB019?fromCategoryId=accessories_exterior&fromSubcategoryId=accessories_exterior_style&fromStarterPack=1

· 1w

I put a $50 deposit down a long time ago and forgot all about it. I got this email this morning, and I'm going to commit.

· 1w

Is the deposit only 50 dollars? No harm no foul until you need to pay the balance. An interesting concept and they are zigging while everbody else is zagging. I think it fills a niche for sure. The EV buy has been transition to more regular non techie folk and a low cost truck could appeal to a lot of buyers.

Since I'm a Tesla bobo I will not be signing up, but has there ever been two more different vehicles than a CyberTruck and a Slate?

· 1w

$50 was the original deposit. (refundable)
$250 more to reserve a vehicle. (non-refundable)

· 1w

So, same as Tesla. I put 250 down on the new Model Y last August but got cold feet and kissed my 250 goodbye in Sept.

· 1w

I like the look!!!

· 1w

These strike me as a perfect solution for fleet use, particularly local delivery, etc. The maintenance savings over a fleet of the gas-powered compact cargo vans would be huge. Cheaper purchase price too.

· 1w

You nailed my view on it. Looking at the specs, the towing/cargo is limited so maybe not a contractor truck, but for local delivery work it might be a great fit.

· 1w

Peter, one thing to keep in mind is the curse of the first year model. Think 1968 Corvette. But worse because there won't be a Chevy dealership on the corner down the road. Clearly they trying to keep things simple and that may help but a new manufacturer with a new model is a recipe for teething pains at the begining.