Slate Auto’s bare bones EV pickup that sells without a head unit or speakers went on presale Wednesday at a base price of $24,950.
Reviewers such as Jalopnik, found the truck too stripped down for the price. Especially given that Ford is expected to offer next year, a $30,000 EV truck with four doors, compared to the Slate Truck’s 2 door platform.
But Jalopnik said it still likes the concept of lower price vehicles and customization. The Autopian also noted some concerns (like a relatively noisy cabin) but called the Slate truck, “the most soulful new vehicle an American consumer will be able to buy for $25,000.”
The pickup has a 5-foot bed and can be converted to two different SUV options that start at $29,950 (with a roughly $5,000 conversion kit).
There is no infotainment screen, head unit or even basic AM/FM radio in the Slate. Users are expected to bring in their own phone or tablet for entertainment.
However, in Slate’s catalog of 200 accessories, users can opt for a $249 Front Center Integrated Speaker or Front Left & Right Integrated Speakers at $149.99.
There’s a Bluetooth controller and a speaker mount each shown with a ‘price coming soon” listing.
Each of the audio options are displayed with what seem as DIY skill levels for installing. The speakers are each assigned a “Moderate” level and the BT controller and speaker mount have a “Beginner” designation.
There is a “Slate University” series of DIY videos on the Slate user forums so consumers can install the accessories themselves, if they choose.
Another accessory is a Slate Telematics Module at $275.
As you may remember, the truck comes without paint (you can purchase wraps),and with no power windows (crank only). However, it now comes with air conditioning (a change from the original plans)
Another change made to the Slate truck since it was first announced last year, is there is now only one battery option that supplies a 205 mile range.
Slate won’t have traditional dealerships and will be consumer direct.
The company is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
For more details, see Slate’s press release here.
See also, yahoo!autos (TechCrunch)
