From Ars Technica · · 1m 50s
Slate's electric truck feels refreshingly simple
A test drive of Slate Auto's prototype reveals an EV truck that strips away complexity in favour of honest, utilitarian design.
In brief
A test drive of Slate Auto's prototype reveals an EV truck that strips away complexity in favour of honest, utilitarian design. Slate Auto's prototype electric truck impresses with straightforward design and handling, though the startup must still achieve mass production to reach American drivers. Originally reported…
Slate's prototype arrives for a test drive
Slate Auto brought its electric truck prototype to southwest DC for a forty-five minute drive to Rockville, Maryland. The truck showed almost six thousand miles on its digital display.
The cabin prioritises simplicity over luxury
The prototype uses hard black plastic and Velcro strips left from camouflage testing. Door handles open with mechanical action. The seat and steering column adjust manually with plenty of reach.
Controls are refreshingly straightforward
A key fob slots into the dash to start the truck. A column shifter selects drive, neutral, park and reverse. Manual window winders and three dials control climate. A phone mount handles navigation.
Visibility and proportions feel right
The Slate sits sixty-eight inches tall, as high as most crossovers. The two-seat cab offers good visibility. The truck weighs four thousand forty-eight pounds and handles manoeuvring and parking easily.
Performance is brisk despite modest acceleration
The one hundred eighty-one horsepower motor delivers instant pickup. Zero to sixty takes eight seconds, slower than a Chevrolet Bolt. Lift-off regenerative braking is aggressive, stopping the truck tens of feet earlier than expected.
The Slate echoes the Fiat Panda's honest charm
The truck reminds the driver of a Fiat Panda rental from Italy. Both share simple honesty and embrace the utilitarian rather than claiming luxury. Both are charming as a result.
“both share a simple honesty and embrace the utilitarian rather than making any pretentious claims to luxury”
Mass production remains the real challenge
Slate Auto has a compelling product, but mass production still needs to happen. If the company can pull that off, American drivers will likely embrace what it is selling.
“American drivers will like what it's selling”
What it means
Slate Auto's prototype electric truck impresses with straightforward design and handling, though the startup must still achieve mass production to reach American drivers.
