Jeff Bezos, a company supported by slate auto, just came out of the mode secretly to unveil its first EV, and it is incredibly interesting. Slate pickup There is a small and boxy, almost KE-like truck that will be sold for $ 27,500 in a bare-bare configuration, or will be sold for $ 20,000 with a federal American tax credit. This will make it one of the cheapest EVS available, but there is a catch: it does not come up with a stereo, touchscreen or even paint option, and the 150 mile range makes it more than urban runners compared to the cross country machine.
A good analogy for slate pickup is a home-made PC that comes with the basics but can then be adapted to immensely. For entry-level model ( "Empty slate"), You get two seats, a sheet of plywood, plastic composite body panel and a large bed to keep any paint color, until it is gray. Ankush weighs 3,500 pounds and is 25 inches smaller than Ford Mavric. There is no infotainment system, just a universal phone mount and USB power. power windows? Not hek, it comes the standard with the crank opening (however is AC). And with just 52.7 kwh battery, the range is limited to 150 miles, although it supports 150kw fast charging.
As a base, you can start expanding into the DIY area with more than 100 available items. Want more passengers? Choose from two SUV options and you will be able to seat up to five, or go for an open air kit. They are distributed in a flat pack and are designed to install the user-install.
If you want a color scheme that reflects your personality better, then get a wrap and deeds. There are many external options such as an additional tire carrier, rear and front bumper upgrade, fender flarers, running boards, a lift kit and tower rack lighting. Inside, you can add a small or large screen, speaker and yes, a power window kit. The pickup also comes with "Slate access points" This will support the future and even homemade goods.
The battery pack can also be expanded up to 84.3 kwh for a target range of 240 miles. With the standard battery, the company says that you will be able to charge up to 80 percent in 30 minutes on 120kw using a fast charger. Power is limited compared to other EVs at 201 hp and torque of 195 pound feet, giving the slate pickup a time of 0-60 mph 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph (estimated).
Where most vehicle manufacturers try to maximize the features of a vehicle are banking on one of the sats of slate buyers, which do not care, say, enjoy self-driving but DIY privatization. In its video, the company tells that it took out everything "It was not a car" Like "A fancy screen, colored light, cold seats, self -driving, self -parking and automatic cup holders." However, it will still comply with federal safety standards for 2027 as it will be equipped with features like automatic emergency braking and a standard backup camera (with a scene displayed on the dash because there is no touchscreen).
It remains to be seen whether there is a large enough market for such buyers, but slate pickup is definitely inexpensive. The company is promising that you will pay for the base model under $ 20,000 if you can kill the federal tax credit (who can kill Trump at any time, anyway, by the way, thanks to your direct, Tesla -like sales model. If you are interested, returnable vehicle reservation is now open at $ 50 Slate.Ato,
This article originally appeared on Engadget
