SLATE Truck revealed as modular Pickup & SUV

[Mad Mac]

It's not a level playing field.

Domestically manufactured EVs
get a $7,500 tax credit.
Even used EVs get a $4,000 tax credit
every time they change hands.

You don't even have to wait to file.
The buyer can take it off the price
at the time of purchase.

So this Slate $20,000 Truck
is actually a $27,500 truck.
The rest of us taxpayers
are subsidizing the whale huggers.

But don't worry folks.
It expires in 2033.
We may not have to wait that long.
Senator John Barrasso's bill would
End EV Tax Credits.

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[Sweetums]

Nobody’s thought to offer a modular no frills bare bones truck before either.

Sure they did. But they were just called "trucks" and designed for utility jobs and not luxury. The modern truck with leather seats, two acres of screens, and all the farkles of a luxury car is kind of a new thing in the history of the truck.

 

[Mikeisit86]

Is there an e-bike trailer that's powered and goes freeway speed because I can't find one? Combining features of products that exist does nothing to further your point. That's like saying it would be easy to build a 200mph off road capable jeep on 40s because Bugattis exist. A propriety trailer with computer integration and all the safety features you'd have to add to it as a motor vehicle (abs, back up cameras, autopark, etc) would likely make it cost more than the slate truck. Vs adding either a front axle motor or a larger rear axle one. I'm not saying that it's impossible, it's impractical and illogical. More/ bigger motors in the truck offer benfits such as performance even without a trailer where as the trailer motor only works when towing. The vehicle motor upgrades work with with ANY trailer. The trailer doesn't. What if you want several types of trailers from a small utility to a fiat bed to an overlanding/camp trailer? You're more than $100k+ into powered trailers and your truck is still underpowered and boring when driving solo. At that point you could have bought a rivian, cybertruck or hummer with the capacity to tow anything and ridiculous performance when empty. And you could rent any haul or home depot trailer where as proprietary powered trailers wouldn't have much rental market either for the same reasons.

Dude- there are ebike trailers that go as fast as the bike cause they get towed as fast as the bike goes. Why you would want to risk fishtailing is beyond me. Combining features of existing products is EXACTLY how most products are brainstormed and developed. Whatever you drive now probably shares hundreds of parts and components from other vehicles. It’s absurd to not use what currently exists to create something new. Your Bugatti example is absurdly stupid. It’s not even remotely the same idea…although we do have stock v-8 jeeps now that go zero- 60 faster than many sports cars….200 mph? Maybe not.
Current trailers, in most states, are required to have trailer hitch plug/cable power brakes, brake lights, turn signal, etc. and back up cameras are only a recent thing, most of us can back up without them…but I installed one on a trailer for $50….its not rocket science.

vehicle motor upgrades???….now YOU’RE drastically inflating the price of a bare bones short distance utility trucK, whereas I’m just saying it could be an aftermarket option. Not everyone wants a trailer. a buyer in this category doesn’t want to go off-roading/camping/fording/skydiving/snorkeling/..with their trailers NO - nobody’s getting a second mortgage to buy trailers. It’s not even a viable off-roading truck anyways. Do you understand the market? This wouldn’t get driven more than 250 miles a day at best. This is a simple, affordable, personal vehicle/delivery truck/ around town vehicle. You‘re arguing to alter the entire premise of the vehicle. People who do a lot of local hauling don’t rent trailers from Home Depot. They buy them. They are $2,500 & up depending on covered, length, etc. Nobody with 1/2 a brain buys a cybertruck with all their glaring quality problems.

wait - is that it? You bought a cyberjunk truck and now you’re just triggered over anything new?

 

[Mikeisit86]

I totally agree with you, yet I notice the Environmentalist Wacko's still believe that we ALL must go along with what THEY think is best.

Like you, I believe that EV's should be available, for those that want them.

I also believe that ICE vehicles should be available for those of us that want them.

Why is that so difficult to understand for the Environmentalist Wacko's?

I can tell you why, because that is their religion, and because that is their religion, they will continue to force EV's down our throats.

Nobody’s forcing anything down your throats - you certainly seem eager to swallow just about anything though

 

[Zachanadandy]

Dude- there are ebike trailers that go as fast as the bike cause they get towed as fast as the bike goes. Why you would want to risk fishtailing is beyond me. Combining features of existing products is EXACTLY how most products are brainstormed and developed. Whatever you drive now probably shares hundreds of parts and components from other vehicles. It’s absurd to not use what currently exists to create something new. Your Bugatti example is absurdly stupid. It’s not even remotely the same idea…although we do have stock v-8 jeeps now that go zero- 60 faster than many sports cars….200 mph? Maybe not.
Current trailers, in most states, are required to have trailer hitch plug/cable power brakes, brake lights, turn signal, etc. and back up cameras are only a recent thing, most of us can back up without them…but I installed one on a trailer for $50….its not rocket science.

vehicle motor upgrades???….now YOU’RE drastically inflating the price of a bare bones short distance utility trucK, whereas I’m just saying it could be an aftermarket option. Not everyone wants a trailer. a buyer in this category doesn’t want to go off-roading/camping/fording/skydiving/snorkeling/..with their trailers NO - nobody’s getting a second mortgage to buy trailers. It’s not even a viable off-roading truck anyways. Do you understand the market? This wouldn’t get driven more than 250 miles a day at best. This is a simple, affordable, personal vehicle/delivery truck/ around town vehicle. You‘re arguing to alter the entire premise of the vehicle. People who do a lot of local hauling don’t rent trailers from Home Depot. They buy them. They are $2,500 & up depending on covered, length, etc. Nobody with 1/2 a brain buys a cybertruck with all their glaring quality problems.

wait - is that it? You bought a cyberjunk truck and now you’re just triggered over anything new?

Again, you don't simply take a normal utility trailer and slap a $50 back up camera on it. No the hitch plug doesn't have provisions for wheel speed sensors to synchronize the now power driven trailer. By making the trailer powered you just turned it into a motor vehicle which means abs, crash testing, etc that are required of all motor vehicles now. It's completely new wiring of both the trailer AND the tow vehicle. That's not some aftermarket add on. The necessary synchronizing of the drives of both vehicles means it's proprietary. Who's building a slate specific trailer, a polestar trailer, a rivian trailer, etc? On what planet would that be cost effective? And even if you invested all that time and energy to develope all these different brand integrations, again what type of trailer? Flatbed? Open deck utility? Cargo. You just turned a $2,500 trailer that could be towed by anyone with a hitch indy a $20k plus trailer that can only be towed by a certain manufacturer. VS simply putting a larger motor in or buying something with the appropriate capacity for what you want to haul. The slate isn't designed with trailering in mind. If you want to tow a small light weight trailer for dump runs or even a local landscaping business with a few lawn mowers and leaf blowers is 1k pound rating will do that. If you want to tow a large trailer buy a larger truck. Even in the EV world those options exist. Not to mention the legal ramifications of clearly exceeding your tow vehicles rating with your ultra heavy powered (and I'm assuming battery laden) trailer. "But officer my 7k pound trailer is powered so it's OK"? If you plan on sharing power between the truck and trailer now your talking even more complex wiring and some sort of flexible high voltage connection between the 2 which is even worse. And no I wouldn't buy a cybertruck.

 

[Mad Mac]

Search Labs | AI Overview

Electric trailer drives, also known as powered trailer systems, offer various benefits such as increased fuel efficiency, enhanced maneuverability, and improved traction assistance. These systems typically involve an electric motor integrated into the trailer's axle, which can provide additional power and support to the towing vehicle.

How Electric Trailer Drives Work:

• Power Assist:
  Electric trailer drives can provide power assistance, helping the towing vehicle climb hills, accelerate faster, and improve overall fuel economy.
  
  
• Traction Control:
  These systems can also enhance traction in challenging conditions, such as slippery roads or uneven terrain, by applying power to the trailer's wheels independently of the towing vehicle.
  
  
• Maneuverability:
  Some electric trailer drives include features like remote parking and maneuverability assistance, making it easier to park and move trailers in tight spaces.
  
  
• Zero-Emission Refrigeration:
  Certain electric trailer drives, like those from Range Energy, can also power the trailer's refrigeration systems, allowing for zero-emission cold storage while in transit.
  

Companies Involved in Electric Trailer Drives:

• Range Energy:
  A major player in the electric trailer drive market, offering systems that transform diesel tractor-trailers into hybrid-electric configurations, according to CDK Global Heavy Truck.
  
  
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG:
  A German automotive supplier that develops and offers electrified trailer systems, including the AxTrax2 e-drive axle, according to ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
  
  
• Carrier:
  Provides E-DRIVE™ technology, an all-electric system that replaces traditional mechanical transmissions with electricity for cold chain performance, according to Carrier.
  
  
• Pebble and Lightship:
  Companies developing electric RV trailers with integrated electric drive systems for both travel and camping purposes, according to Pebble.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Search Labs | AI Overview

Electric trailer drives, also known as powered trailer systems, offer various benefits such as increased fuel efficiency, enhanced maneuverability, and improved traction assistance. These systems typically involve an electric motor integrated into the trailer's axle, which can provide additional power and support to the towing vehicle.

How Electric Trailer Drives Work:

• Power Assist:
  Electric trailer drives can provide power assistance, helping the towing vehicle climb hills, accelerate faster, and improve overall fuel economy.
  
  
• Traction Control:
  These systems can also enhance traction in challenging conditions, such as slippery roads or uneven terrain, by applying power to the trailer's wheels independently of the towing vehicle.
  
  
• Maneuverability:
  Some electric trailer drives include features like remote parking and maneuverability assistance, making it easier to park and move trailers in tight spaces.
  
  
• Zero-Emission Refrigeration:
  Certain electric trailer drives, like those from Range Energy, can also power the trailer's refrigeration systems, allowing for zero-emission cold storage while in transit.

Companies Involved in Electric Trailer Drives:

• Range Energy:
  A major player in the electric trailer drive market, offering systems that transform diesel tractor-trailers into hybrid-electric configurations, according to CDK Global Heavy Truck.
  
  
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG:
  A German automotive supplier that develops and offers electrified trailer systems, including the AxTrax2 e-drive axle, according to ZF Friedrichshafen AG.
  
  
• Carrier:
  Provides E-DRIVE™ technology, an all-electric system that replaces traditional mechanical transmissions with electricity for cold chain performance, according to Carrier.
  
  
• Pebble and Lightship:
  Companies developing electric RV trailers with integrated electric drive systems for both travel and camping purposes, according to Pebble.

So what you're saying is they don't exist yet for the American roadways and if/when they do they'll be expensive?

 

[Mikeisit86]

Again, you don't simply take a normal utility trailer and slap a $50 back up camera on it. No the hitch plug doesn't have provisions for wheel speed sensors to synchronize the now power driven trailer. By making the trailer powered you just turned it into a motor vehicle which means abs, crash testing, etc that are required of all motor vehicles now. It's completely new wiring of both the trailer AND the tow vehicle. That's not some aftermarket add on. The necessary synchronizing of the drives of both vehicles means it's proprietary. Who's building a slate specific trailer, a polestar trailer, a rivian trailer, etc? On what planet would that be cost effective? And even if you invested all that time and energy to develope all these different brand integrations, again what type of trailer? Flatbed? Open deck utility? Cargo. You just turned a $2,500 trailer that could be towed by anyone with a hitch indy a $20k plus trailer that can only be towed by a certain manufacturer. VS simply putting a larger motor in or buying something with the appropriate capacity for what you want to haul. The slate isn't designed with trailering in mind. If you want to tow a small light weight trailer for dump runs or even a local landscaping business with a few lawn mowers and leaf blowers is 1k pound rating will do that. If you want to tow a large trailer buy a larger truck. Even in the EV world those options exist. Not to mention the legal ramifications of clearly exceeding your tow vehicles rating with your ultra heavy powered (and I'm assuming battery laden) trailer. "But officer my 7k pound trailer is powered so it's OK"? If you plan on sharing power between the truck and trailer now your talking even more complex wiring and some sort of flexible high voltage connection between the 2 which is even worse. And no I wouldn't buy a cybertruck.

staggering how uninformed you are. Most utility trailers today do not even come with a back up camera - and all existing back up cameras are incredibly cheap to buy. But the fact trailer cameras aren’t required on any other trailer means that argument is moot. You’re blatantly absurd as it’s still a trailer, it’s not driving or steering itself. Do you know how hub-motors work? Plus regulations are easily manipulated or circumvented - most e-bikes are technically electric motorcycles, but they are shipped with speed limiters & people just get the computer unlock codes online to reach full power. Many trailers come with ABS brakes if you want them. The rest is just drivel. I have never in my life heard of a cop pulling someone over to check weight requirements. You already have voltage connection - that’s what the trailer hitch plug is for…. You’re just way way way overthinking…Fictional police scenarios…..have a good one, the real world is more interesting

 

[JAY]

Engineering deep dive: Slate truck chassis, body, battery, safety, suspension

 

[Zachanadandy]

staggering how uninformed you are. Most utility trailers today do not even come with a back up camera - and all existing back up cameras are incredibly cheap to buy. But the fact trailer cameras aren’t required on any other trailer means that argument is moot. You’re blatantly absurd as it’s still a trailer, it’s not driving or steering itself. Do you know how hub-motors work? Plus regulations are easily manipulated or circumvented - most e-bikes are technically electric motorcycles, but they are shipped with speed limiters & people just get the computer unlock codes online to reach full power. Many trailers come with ABS brakes if you want them. The rest is just drivel. I have never in my life heard of a cop pulling someone over to check weight requirements. You already have voltage connection - that’s what the trailer hitch plug is for…. You’re just way way way overthinking…Fictional police scenarios…..have a good one, the real world is more interesting

Existing trailers aren't powered. You're taking a simple trailer and turning it into a MOTOR VEHICLE by powering it. As soon as you do that ALL motor vehicle regulations apply. From abs to back up cameras to auto park. Even the registration cost would likely skyrocket as the thing isn't a simple trailer with a lifetime tag. You honestly belive that the 12v 40A trailer plug is going to power some tiny hub motor and somehow make a meaningful difference in towing capacity? Of course not. You'll need an actual EV motor which means high voltage power. If you're trying to strap a tiny ebike trailer to the back of your EV, don't even bother trying to power it. If you're trying to make a several thousand pound trailer self powered it is in fact a motor vehicle. And it needs real, significant power to do anything being towed down the freeway behind a 3k+ pound vehicle. Stick with your toy bikes. I'm uniformed but you want to power the trailer with a maximum of 480 watts or 5/8 of a horsepower to increase towing capacity? Why didn't I think of straping a weedeater motor onto my car trailer to increase capacity....

 

[emoney]

I am thrown a little by the number of folks who are viewing this truck as so unique because of price? If the base, with roll up windows manual transmission starts at $27500.00, and odds are there won't be many base models sold. A Ford Maverick AWD, automatic, full power, a/c, 4 doors, etc etc etc advertised near me for $31,600.00. Is it because it's an electric truck? This is a genuine question not meant to be a dig on the truck or anything.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I am thrown a little by the number of folks who are viewing this truck as so unique because of price? If the base, with roll up windows manual transmission starts at $27500.00, and odds are there won't be many base models sold. A Ford Maverick AWD, automatic, full power, a/c, 4 doors, etc etc etc advertised near me for $31,600.00. Is it because it's an electric truck? This is a genuine question not meant to be a dig on the truck or anything.

They build it one way.

One configuration.

One color.

That's it, the end.

No dealers, no options.

 

[emoney]

They build it one way.

One configuration.

One color.

That's it, the end.

No dealers, no options.

I thought you could add rear seats, top, etc?

 

[Jrgunn5150]

I thought you could add rear seats, top, etc?

They ship them to you in a box, or charge you to add them.

But yes, adding things, adds cost.

The point is, you're choosing that, not a dealer who knows he can make more margin on option packages.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I am thrown a little by the number of folks who are viewing this truck as so unique because of price? If the base, with roll up windows manual transmission starts at $27500.00, and odds are there won't be many base models sold. A Ford Maverick AWD, automatic, full power, a/c, 4 doors, etc etc etc advertised near me for $31,600.00. Is it because it's an electric truck? This is a genuine question not meant to be a dig on the truck or anything.

Yes, for the most part I'd say the fact that it's a small electric truck is most of the buzz. You won't find a base model EV anywhere near that stripped down in any body style. I'm not sure you'll find any EV close to that price. Combine that with current state and federal incentives (regardless of how you feel about them) and you'd literally be buying a brand new truck for under $17k locally. That's cheaper than the versa which is the cheapest car on the market.

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