Daily Read: Tech
Slate EV Truck Offers Unexpected Cargo Capacity
The new Slate EV truck, priced at $24,950, offers a 5‑foot bed with 35.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 7‑cubic‑foot frunk. Compared to the 2026 Ford F‑150 and Maverick, the Slate’s payload is 1,550 pounds and towing 2,000 pounds, lower than gas trucks but competitive among compact pickups. Range drops sharply when towing; at 2,000 pounds the Slate’s 205‑mile range falls to about 100 miles, similar to other EV trucks. The base model is barebones, with many features like speakers and suspension upgrades sold as add‑ons, pushing the price above the entry level. For everyday users needing occasional heavy loads - bikes, furniture, camping gear - the Slate offers a cheaper alternative to SUVs and a more convenient bed. Post‑launch testing will confirm hauling performance, but early data suggests the Slate can match other compact pickups if price and range are acceptable. The vehicle’s launch could broaden EV adoption among pickup buyers who value affordability and cargo capacity.
· Engadget
The essential points
- 01Slate truck starts at $24,950, offering a 5‑foot bed with 35.1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 7‑cubic‑foot frunk.
- 02Payload capacity is 1,550 pounds and towing limit 2,000 pounds, lower than gas trucks but on par with other compact pickups.
- 03When towing its maximum 2,000 pounds, the Slate’s 205‑mile range drops to roughly 100 miles, mirroring other EV trucks’ range penalties.
- 04The base model lacks many amenities; add‑on packages for speakers and suspension raise the price above the entry level.
The full brief
The new Slate EV truck, priced at $24,950, offers a 5‑foot bed with 35. 1 cubic feet of cargo space and a 7‑cubic‑foot frunk. Compared to the 2026 Ford F‑150 and Maverick, the Slate’s payload is 1,550 pounds and towing 2,000 pounds, lower than gas trucks but competitive among compact pickups.
Range drops sharply when towing; at 2,000 pounds the Slate’s 205‑mile range falls to about 100 miles, similar to other EV trucks. The base model is barebones, with many features like speakers and suspension upgrades sold as add‑ons, pushing the price above the entry level. For everyday users needing occasional heavy loads - bikes, furniture, camping gear - the Slate offers a cheaper alternative to SUVs and a more convenient bed.
Post‑launch testing will confirm hauling performance, but early data suggests the Slate can match other compact pickups if price and range are acceptable. The vehicle’s launch could broaden EV adoption among pickup buyers who value affordability and cargo capacity.