$25K EV Pickup?

[runcible]

Relevant previous remarks on BEVs: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....=1#post1548780

On one hand, this answers the mail for an oft repeated vein of commentary on automotive forums and blogs - the romance of the single row cab and the smaller truck profile, etc etc. That's good news for the manufacturer, because that guarantees 2-12 of those commenters will actually follow through and make the purchase.

On the other hand, it's still a BEV, with all of the lifespan limiters still in play.

I'm very amenable to that size footprint; if they made a modern Subaru BRAT, I'd be all about that jam. As a means of moving around tooling and rescuing unloved industrial sewing machines, it'd be about perfect, to include the electric aspect - just leave it plugged in and under overhead cover in between periods of usage, without worries about fluid coagulation, leaks, and so forth, near so much. The minimal range wouldn't be a significant factor if it mostly moves supplies from A to B within the effective radius, or services a property; and when it can stay on the charger while somnolent.

It may be an unintentional bit of cleverness that they're not chasing the faster charging methods, as those severely speed the rate of degredation for most batteries; so the use of 110V, acknowledging that it has some claimed ability to charge through faster means, may have some associated benefits to longevity.

Ultimately, however, it's close to the price of Ford's Maverick just a few years ago, and with likely a shorter lifespan for the most costly component of the Slate versus the most costly component of the Maverick.

Form factor is rarely the most important element for determining the value of a potential auto transaction, and when you get down to it, the Slate's main virtues are form factor (first) and cost (second); but only by the narrowest of margins versus the established options from established brands, in either category.

With Slate's security as a brand requiring a significant up-front investment absolutely unknown, with the reality that most electric car startups are investor scams, and with the rapidly deprecating asset that is a BEV; it's a very, very attractive risk to take - in the sense that it's much less unpalatable as pitched than many other options, but it's still inarguably risky.

I shall continue to wait for a Maverick made by Toyota.

[Borderland]

It's interesting, but they lost me at EV. Now if it were, say, the drivetrain out of a 2nd/3rd Ranger or 2nd Gen S-10/Sonoma with a 6-7ft bed then I'd be a bit more interested. Understandable why they didn't go with ICE/Hybrid (those private equity dollars still want EVs), but it's not my thing.

Now I could definitely be seeing these being a go-to for fleet/gov orders (the local municipalities around me have bought a lot of base trim Mavericks, Escapes, and Bronco Sports)

That right there. Meter readers with a 200 mile round trip. They read my meter with a Ford Ranger ICE PU. That has to be an unwarranted overhead. But then IDK because I still drive an ICE vehicle. I would think a Prius would work for that job. Maybe they aren't competitive with the state contract bids. I know someone told me what my 3/4 ton ford van costs on a state procurement list and I had a hard time believing that. About 67% of the MSRP. Nobody ever bought a vehicle from a dealer at that price except the state who buys thousands of vehicles.

Shocker here. They gave me a Ford Escape once and I took it on a not sanctioned 10 mile forest service road rally to see what she could do. Well, I was impressed. They baby held the track and climbed the switchbacks with amazing agility and good speed. Ford does the Baja pretty well with a stock Ranger.

Don't try this at home with your own vehicle.

https://youtu.be/km7KO_2CDwg

[DrkBlue]

Shocker here. They gave me a Ford Escape once and I took it on a not sanctioned 10 mile forest service road rally once to see what she could do. Well, I was impressed. They baby held the track and climbed the switchbacks with amazing agility and good speed.

Don't try this at home with your own vehicle.

The second generation Ford Escape was a pretty sweet ride. Surprisingly capable in light off-roading, due to light weight and enough engine.

I was issued an unmarked Hybrid Escape for awhile. Liked it enough to buy my wife a full gasser Escape a year newer.
The hybrid set up was pretty decent. The battery didn’t love cold weather: use of AC or heat dropped gas mileage 15-20%. Still liked driving it and it could hold my big Pelican case.

[mmc45414]

Maybe you could tow a 1,500lb battery trailer that plugs in and extends the range?

Hmmmm... Trailer range extender that you do not need daily? Maybe even with a small genset?

[jeep45238]

Hmmmm... Trailer range extender that you do not need daily? Maybe even with a small genset?

If you could get something like that which would give another 100 mile range for longer trips, and figure a way for a small-footprint vertical storage in a garage, it might work for a lot of folks who have an occasional longer trip but don't need the range/refill of anything with a fuel tank. No need to take the trailer around for urban or most suburban folks, but it's there for occasional use.

Generator probably wouldn't be worthwhile, given the consumption rate vs. output rate of gens.

[octagon]

There are 2 versions of battery packs. The base has 150 mile range the option has 240 mile range.

The EV makes the most sense. No Emissions/Co2/ noise regs to deal with while being a lot easier to engineer and build. It also allows for better packaging especially when having an optional SUV flat pack kit that makes for 5 passenger size or large enclosed cargo area.

[DMF13]

Neat idea, but I can't get on board with electric only. Hybrid? I'm absolutely ok with that, but there are too many problems with electric only. Primarily the need to install charging equipment at home, and range concerns, which are exacerbated by extreme temperatures (especially in cold). Maybe its ok for people who only need something for short trips, like a daily commute, and an ICE or hybrid was available for long trips, and as a backup.

[runcible]

Neat idea, but I can't get on board with electric only. Hybrid? I'm absolutely ok with that, but there are too many problems with electric only. Primarily the need to install charging equipment at home, and range concerns, which are exacerbated by extreme temperatures (especially in cold).

With out disagreeing with your position, one clarifier: as you of course read, the Slate option will be able to charge off of household110V, and as described, that's its most likely use-case.

[octagon]

With out disagreeing with your position, one clarifier: as you of course read, the Slate option will be able to charge off of household110V, and as described, that's its most likely use-case.

Yes most EVs can charge from typical 110V outlets and already include the charger with purchase. It is slow but fine for those that use their vehicle for shorter commutes. 220V chargers are faster and only require a dryer/welder outlet install with some including a charger and others subsidized by rebates and tax breaks to be free or almost so. The vast majority of people have commutes and use cases that make EV range more than enough even in cold temperatures. Those that don't shouldn't buy an EV or at least as their only vehicle. Horses for courses.

[beenalongtime]

I think the tow rating is for people to pick up a riding lawn mower and a push mower (probably in the bed), or maybe the occasional lumber run.

Before my cancer, when I could drive, I would have been the target audience as I tend to drive around 3 miles a day, live close to work, and down the street from Home Depot (Lowes, Menards, etc. not that much farther).
But I would prefer the Maverick, or better yet the promised Stout (based on something with a longer history in the drivetrain, then the Maverick which had a bunch of recalls). I have friends who have the Mavericks, including a company I know. All would buy again tomorrow.
Plus they haven't simpled this down enough for me, where are my vent windows?