Slate is bringing something new to the EV truck market. The truck startup has quickly made a name for itself with its minimalist design, low price point and customization features. Playfully crowned the Blank Slate, the Michigan-based manufacturer's flagship truck does away with pesky features like speakers and automatic windows in favor of a $24,950 base price. But even with hundreds of add-ons and vinyl wraps, the build-your-own truck company is hoping that the biggest roadblock to getting you in an EV is the market's elevated prices.
Luckily, the company's minimalist approach doesn't apply to the truck's performance. With a 135 kW motor, the EV delivers 181 horsepower, 195 ft-lb of torque and 2,000 pounds of towing power. These metrics are in line with the hybrid Ford Maverick. And while its 205-mile range leaves something to be desired, the biggest concern for trucking purists may be the Slate truck's commitment to two-wheel drive.
Slate, which has pitched its truck more as an everyday vehicle than a heavy-duty towing machine, currently only offers rear-wheel drive. However, this may change with later models. According to an email posted to the Slate truck fan forum, "all-wheel drive is in the plans for a future version of Slate." According to the post, although such options won't be available at launch, Slate knows "how important it is for folks in snowier climates, on job sites, or looking for that extra traction."
Of course, such projections should be taken with a grain of salt.
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