Slate's Affordable Electric Pickup Truck: A Winter Test in Michigan
An Electrek reader's snapshot of a Slate Auto pickup truck, an all-electric vehicle, testing in snowy Michigan, offers a glimpse into the company's innovative approach to electric vehicles.
As the official launch of Slate Auto's flagship pickup truck nears, prototypes are increasingly spotted in Michigan and California, where the truck is being developed. Slate's unique selling point is its 'Blank Slate' design, a bare-bones pickup with no screens, speakers, or manual window rollers. However, this simplicity allows for extensive customization and upgrades, with hundreds of accessories and upgrades available through the 'Slate Maker' portal or post-delivery.
The starting MSRP for the Blank Slate is expected to be in the mid-$20k range, announced in June. Before then, Slate continues development and testing in the US, aiming for deliveries by the end of the year. An Electrek reader, Craig, spotted the truck charging in Hancock, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula, suggesting cold-weather testing.
The current configuration is RWD, with an AWD version planned for later release. The truck features a large rear rack in the pickup bed, distinct from Slate's SUV or Open Air body kits, suggesting an industrial design. A pipe protruding from the windshield above the cabin may be for test data collection, though this is speculative based on the limited images.
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