The Slate Truck starts at $24,950, placing it below the $40,000 mark that can make an electric vehicle seem unusually affordable. Its listed specifications include a rear-mounted motor producing 181 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, a 65 kWh battery, 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, NACS DC fast-charging compatibility and an estimated 205 miles of range.
A recent in-person look at the pickup highlighted seven details that distinguish its pared-back approach. The most unexpected was the fully manual side mirrors. The truck also has crank windows and manually adjusted seats, but mirror adjustment stood out as another conspicuous cutback.
The base model, called Blank Slate, has a gray exterior, while vinyl wraps offer a way to add more color. The truck seen in person wore a limited-edition wrap made in collaboration with Smarties. How well the wraps withstand harsh Northeast winters remains an open question.
Inside, the two-seat cabin leaves very little room to recline because the seats sit close to the barrier behind them. That could make longer drives less comfortable, even if the truck is mainly intended for local errands. The dashboard takes a similarly minimalist approach, with mechanical climate controls, a phone mount, slim air vents and a compact digital instrument cluster showing essential driving information.
The cargo bed was described as comparable in usable space to beds in compact pickups such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It may not match the size of a full-size truck bed, but it was considered practical for routine shopping and occasional larger items. The Slate Truck also includes a backup camera mounted near the tailgate latch.
One notable provision is a 10-year, 110,000-mile warranty covering the battery and powertrain. The coverage is included at no extra charge, offering buyers protection alongside the truck’s low starting price.
Sources: Tom's Guide.