More Slate EV Truck info
Is this the future of affordable EVs, or just another pipe dream? We shall see...
Everyone
Read Part 1 about the Slate EV HERE
Ref my article a few days ago on the $20,000 Slate EV Pickup Truck, here’s the specifications listed on their website. I’ve already signed up for press/media status so I can get updates and maybe an early test drive when one is available. And I’m asking Slate about TOAD charging with regenerative braking while being towed, as well as a 7-way trailer plug interface for easy connection to a motorhome.
This seems to be a more practical version of an EV truck, in direct contrast to the Ford F-150 Lightning. While the Lighting had blazing acceleration and good looks, it failed miserably trying to tow any reasonable size RV trailer more than 100 miles. The Slate Truck is not going to win any drag races (0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds) or beauty contests (you can get any color you like as long as it’s slate gray), and it really can’t tow much (1,000 lbs), but that’s not the point.
So Is this an everyman’s EV? I just don’t know. But the more I look at the Slate Truck specs, the more I think it could be a great TOAD as well as weekend grocery getter. The big question is, can they make it happen? We shall see….
The facts so far…
Here’s the marketing pitch
Here’s the specifications
How much would it cost to charge?
The Slate truck includes the various cables needed to charge the 52kWh battery from a home Edison outlet, RV 50-amp pedestal outlet, or Fast (Super) Charger.
As always, your cost to charge any EV will vary depending on how fast you need it done. But my local power company is offering a 50% discount off the normal 16 cents per kWh for overnight home charging on a Smart Meter with a 50-amp/240-volt connection. So 52kwh x $0.08 = $4.16 cost of electricity at my home overnight which could yield up to 150 miles of range (assuming a 0% to 100% SoC recharge which would rarely happen.) That’s a great deal.
However, SuperCharger Rates on the road could be a much as 60 cents per kWh, so that works out to 52kWh x $0.60 = $31.20 for a 0% to 100% SoC battery fill-up at a fast charging station. That’s not such a great deal.
And I really don’t know how campgrounds will deal with metering EV charging, which is why it would be great if TOAD ReCharging Mode could be implemented on the Slate.
Download a printable PDF below
I’ll do updates as I learn more. Let’s play safe out there… Mike
I would more likely buy another flat towable Maverick Lariat
Hybrid to tow. 500+ mile range and 37+ mpg. High 30 k vehicle. Seems more functional to me. Also enhanced safety and convenience feature set. If the maverick gets upgrade to plug in, it's would still clearly be a much more desirable Toad.
Fascinating possibility, quite intriguing. First question though, does that $20K AFTER INCENTIVE mean that the real price is $27,500?
Towable, yeah... that rig weighs a half-ton LESS than my Jeep. But no 4x4, deal breaker for me but not for most.