Slate Auto debuts “sub 20k” US-built basic work truck
 

Details and reservations here:

https://www.slate.auto/en

and more information here:

https://www.slateforums.com/forum/th...-videos.12602/

I believe this is the company partly funded by Bezos?

The concept should calm those folks who always argued till their face went blue that modern cars are inherently unreliable due to power windows and fancy screens. I assume the only caveat/excuse left is it would have been perfect had it been an ICE.

I dont know too many EV fans that are craving an EV that doesnt offer the latest tech on the inside, or gobs of power but I guess with a production number as high as they claim we shall see.

I think when it comes to work trucks, it should be about keeping it simple. Actually, if you look in a cabin of a Tesla, the biggest complaint is it's too simple. Most of the "tech" is hidden

Yes this is reportedly Bezos backed, and Jill will be very happy as it has manual windows ;)

paging @mmarshall

Indiana made, Bezos backed, no screens, and roller windows

The perfect Buick replacement

Nope, she'll complain about it lol. The materials used will be "too cheap" or something.

neat little launch video at this link

https://www.slate.auto/en/video

Being that the Maverick is the only competition out there for non fleet customers lets see if this enjoys the same success.

Side note, same wheelbase length as the original Toyota pickup.

This is illegal in most areas.
Red flag
Up to? There has to be a fixed safety suite not variable. The ultra modularity seems like a nightmare every single component has to be built with swapping in mind.

I like the concept of ultra minimalism but no native infotainment is going too far. I'll give it a 50% chance this vehicle is ever built in volume. Hope they succeed.

Me too. I love the concept but we'll see if they exist in a couple years. Until james posted this I never heard of them. I wish them luck. :thumbup:

Market desperately needs a simple affordable vehicle. Putting aside the immense challenge of making in volume and affordable it will be extremely difficult to meet all modern safety requirements. There are many made in China vehicles that are less than $30,000 U.S. but they are basically death traps.

I don't see the point of having no native infotainment control, the truck will have most of the necessary hardware and software but no screen so just include a screen. The app has to be coded and maintained either way.

Agreed on all fronts.

I've seen some 2025 Nissan Frontier's for under 30k in TX and FL. This is for the basic S trim models of course so there is at least some option for a simple affordable small truck.