Minimalist EV Truck: Drive More, Spend Less

Slate Auto is introducing a minimalist electric vehicle designed to be highly affordable, with a starting price point below $25,000. This approach cuts features unrelated to driving and safety to achieve the low cost. However, numerous optional add-ons are available, such as a speaker system, an iPad mount, or a five-seat conversion kit, which can raise the price of a fully equipped vehicle to over $45,000.

The EV offers an estimated 205 miles of range, a 1,550-pound maximum payload, and a 2,000-pound tow rating. It is primarily suited for short-distance hauling and local errands rather than long road trips. Over-the-air software updates, typically handled wirelessly, are managed through the Slate app on a user's smartphone due to the vehicle's reduced onboard technology.

This process involves downloading the update to the phone and then transferring it to the truck via a USB connection, followed by an approximately 45-minute installation. The company states these updates will focus on bug fixes and minor improvements. Slate Auto also emphasizes data privacy, asserting they will not sell user data and will only collect necessary information for diagnostics and updates, aiming to appeal to consumers wary of excessive data collection by other manufacturers.