Overview The 2027 Slate Truck small pickup is an all-new EV from an all-new automaker hoping to strike a nerve with buyers looking for no-frills electric transportation with a built-in quirky factor at a low, low price. Powered by a single electric motor, the two-passenger pickup can be converted into a five-passenger, quasi-SUV with a kit available through Slate’s extensive accessory catalog of over 100 items. Also on offer are a variety of vinyl wraps ready-made to jazz up the blank-slate exterior, which is crafted of plain, unpainted gray composite body panels. A digital gauge cluster doubles as the rearview camera display, steel wheels, and hand crank windows—remember those?—and physical HVAC controls keep the pickup simple and the price low. What’s New for 2027?Everything. It starts with the strategy: Slate is a new manufacturer that thinks the time is right for a highly affordable, no-frills, EV pickup truck and it hopes the Truck resonates with the masses. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2027 Slate Truck is expected to start around $27,000.Truck$27,000 (est)Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the maker is optimistically aiming for an approximately $27,000 base price before credits and incentives. The current Federal Exemption would take the price of the USA-built EV to around $20,000. Customization options are provided by Slate’s extensive accessory catalog. Slate is currently taking reservations, accompanied by a $50 refundable deposit. Deliveries are slated to begin at the end of 2026. Getting Started with EVsEV Motor, Power, and Performance The Slate Pickup’s powertrain is comprised of a single electric motor rated for 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is the sole drive setup. Electrons are stored in either a 52.7-kWh battery or an available 84.3-kWh battery. 0–60-MPH TimesSlate is claiming a 0-60 time of 8.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 90 mph. More on the Truck PickupTowing and Payload Capacity Slate says the truck is rated to tow 1000 pounds. The maximum payload capacity is 1433 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life Slate estimates the Truck’s range at 150 miles for the standard battery and 240 miles for the available accessory battery. An onboard 11-kW charger is said to take the battery from 20-100 percent in 11 hours on a Level 1 charger and under 5 hours on a Level 2 charger. DC fast charging can do the same in less than 30 minutes. A NACS (North American Charging Standard) port is standard, according to Slate. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe Slate claims the truck will return 96 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency.Interior, Comfort, and CargoLaunching as a standard cab for two passengers, Slate says there are 34 cubic feet of space for cargo behind the seats. The frunk offers 7 cubic feet, and the small bed has 37 cubes. Power locks and cruise control are included as standard. The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivitySimplicity is the overarching concept behind the Truck’s infotainment options. While details are TBD, Slate says that in addition to the digital gauge cluster, the truck has a universal phone mount and USB power, as well as the capability to add a dedicated tablet if desired. Speakers to reproduce your device’s audio are available as an accessory. How to Buy and Maintain a CarAs more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Source: caranddriver.com
