The 2027 Slate Truck: Your DIY Electric Pickup Adventure Awaits

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The 2027 Slate Truck: Your DIY Electric Pickup Adventure Awaits - Image for illustration purposes only
04-24-2025motortrend
Slate is redefining the pickup experience with its soon-to-arrive small truck, crafted for the hands-on enthusiast. Its minimalistic design features manually adjustable seats, basic tech, and crank windows—all starting at an appealing price below $20,000, thanks to federal incentives. This blank canvas approach allows you to tailor your vehicle to your personal tastes.

The Bare Essentials

- Configuration: Ultra-basic two-door single-cab with a 4-by-5-foot bed.
- Materials: Molded-in-color, dent-resistant composite body panels in Slate Gray.
- Design Elements: Black-painted steel wheels and a utilitarian interior with physical controls.
- Safety: Includes front automatic emergency braking and multiple airbags.

Inside, you'll find a straightforward 4.0-inch display for legal compliance, while a dashboard smartphone holder lets you utilize apps. The cost-efficiency continues with identical handles and taillights, streamlining the production process.

Electric Performance

- Power: Equipped with a single rear motor delivering 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
- Battery: A standard 52.7-kWh battery offers a 150-mile range; an 84.3-kWh option extends you to 240 miles.
- Charging: Compatible with the NACS charging standard.
- Capability: Supports a payload of 1,433 pounds and can tow up to 1,000 pounds.

Customization: Your Truck, Your Way

Slate's philosophy steers clear of over-specification, offering:

- Personalization Options: Choose from potential upgrades like power windows, touchscreen integration, and heated seats.
- Visual Tweaks: Experiment with decal wrap kits and interior trims in a range of finishes.
- Functional Enhancements: Consider lift kits, all-terrain tires, or sporty low-profile setups.

Convert the truck into a small SUV with removable barriers and add-ons like rear seats or a roof rack. Slate's online configurator provides endless design possibilities, supported by the DIY-friendly Slate University for your modifications.

Who's Buying In?

Slate is appealing to a variety of customers:

- Car Lovers: Take advantage of full customization potential.
- Businesses and Fleets: Enjoy tailored utility and branding options.
- Cost-Conscious Drivers: Enter the EV market affordably, with incentives in mind.

Challenges and Opportunities

Slate is still in the development phase, with a prototype not yet street-ready. Concerns linger about safety standards and the potential risks of inexperienced user modifications. However, Slate's concept is a breath of fresh air amid the complex offerings from major automakers, providing a unique option for those eager to build and customize their vehicle.

Summary

The Slate Truck sparks creativity with its simple electric platform ready for your customization. Designed for innovative DIY enthusiasts and businesses, it strikes a balance between cost and potential, challenging traditional automotive powers with the promise of a truly customizable vehicle. As Slate progresses towards production, we look forward to seeing how this visionary concept unfolds.

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