Bare Bones SUV EV for +$20K

[Panthadad2]

Slate Truck. I love utilitarian bare bones simplicity and would buy this. To be made in the US in Indiana (I think). A base model version after tax credit is proposed to be under $20K!

 

[GopherJake]

That’s an excellent ad. Wonder how much a nicely loaded model is. And how industrial strength all the interchangeable parts are. Interesting idea and innovative.

 

[GophersInIowa]

Is it the Kei trucks from Japan you can have mailed to you and they're extremely cheap?

 

[Slim Tubby]

Looks a lot like the frame from an older Chevy S-10.

 

[Wally]

Might be a good work truck, have to see one in person.

 

[Panthadad2]

Is it the Kei trucks from Japan you can have mailed to you and they're extremely cheap?

I didn't know a Kei truck could be delivered to the US! Those little things were everywhere eons ago when I was in Okinawa.

The bare bones pickup I keep hearing about is the Toyota IMV 0 that unfortunately won't be sold in the US.

 

[Panthadad2]

That’s an excellent ad. Wonder how much a nicely loaded model is. And how industrial strength all the interchangeable parts are. Interesting idea and innovative.

Yeah, I thought the ad was great. It sounds like Bezos is a major investor, so I would hope he wouldn't put his stamp on junk.

 

[Frink]

I love the idea but I feel like most people are not mentally ready to take a step back in terms of features. After reading your post I looked into this a little more and the Slate doesn't even have power windows. The price will certainly get some people buying but there's an entire advertising industry that's been training people to aim for luxury.

Also there's some pretty big crossover in the Venn diagram of people who like EVS but also don't like Bezos.

Honestly though I hope it does well.

 

[Wally]

I love the idea but I feel like most people are not mentally ready to take a step back in terms of features. After reading your post I looked into this a little more and the Slate doesn't even have power windows. The price will certainly get some people buying but there's an entire advertising industry that's been training people to aim for luxury.

Also there's some pretty big crossover in the Venn diagram of people who like EVS but also don't like Bezos.

Honestly though I hope it does well.

In a truck you really don't need power windows. If they put in a manual vent by your feet like Ford trucks used to have it would be awesome, I loved that.

My 82 F150 had a bonus floor vent where it rusted completely thru...

 

[forever a gopher]

I didn't know a Kei truck could be delivered to the US! Those little things were everywhere eons ago when I was in Okinawa.

The bare bones pickup I keep hearing about is the Toyota IMV 0 that unfortunately won't be sold in the US.

You can only import kei vehicles (or any other vehicle sold in a different country, save Canada) under the 25 year rule, so they have to be 25 years old. States are cracking down on the registration of them even though they are allowed at the federal level and there often aren’t specific state statutes banning them. I have a buddy who imports Japanese vehicles, and he stopped importing kei vehicles to MN customers as getting them registered is unlikely. They specifically seem opposed to registering mini trucks. I think kei cars and others fly under the radar a bit more.

 

[Panthadad2]

I love the idea but I feel like most people are not mentally ready to take a step back in terms of features. After reading your post I looked into this a little more and the Slate doesn't even have power windows. The price will certainly get some people buying but there's an entire advertising industry that's been training people to aim for luxury.

Also there's some pretty big crossover in the Venn diagram of people who like EVS but also don't like Bezos.

Honestly though I hope it does well.

I actually like that it has roll up windows, no radio (who needs it nowadays?), etc. Way back in my 20s, I bought a little Ford Ranger stripper with absolutely no options. Roll up windows, manual transmission, vinyl seats, rubber floors, and I think I deleted the AM/FM radio (put in a Blaupunkt). I loved that little thing. My only regret was that it didn't have AC as I spent a couple years in AZ with it...sweaty-ass vinyl seats with 100+ degrees sucked!

It sounds like the Slate has no plans for 4WD, though, which is disappointing.

 

[Wally]

It sounds like the Slate has no plans for 4WD,

I assume it's front wheel drive then?
That would be ok.

 

[stocker08]

Is it the Kei trucks from Japan you can have mailed to you and they're extremely cheap?

Aren't Kei trucks highly regulated in the U.S.? Stupid.....because they make a bunch of sense for a bunch of reasons.

Anyways....base model of this truck has no stereo. That's silly.