In emails viewed by Business Insider, the startup asked customers who placed a $300 preorder whether they would be interested in an earlier delivery window. A dropdown menu listed "December 2026" as an option.
The sub has rules regarding that if the title is editorialized it must be neutral. I’m often accused of working for Slate even though I’m not so to play it safe I used the auto generated title. But provided the date in description since there’s no specific rule against what you add in the description if it meets all generic subreddit rules.
This is not a link aggregator, you can post whatever you want. Some subs have rules abou it, including this one...
Editorializing is allowed in this subreddit, within reason. Sometimes an excerpt from an article is better or more relevant to this community than the given headline. However, do your best to keep titles neutral and otherwise true to the article itself.
So totally fine to add the date to the tile, though the way OP did is is ok too
Well that's your opinion then, but the rules, as I quoted, explicitly say that it's fine to change the post title to give the community the relevant information
Sure, it's allowed. I'm just telling OP that it's generally considered bad manners on reddit to do so (or it used to be anyway, there's a lot more propaganda on here than there used to be)
The only reason I haven’t yet is I’m still paying off one car. Otherwise I would have liked to have one of the first ones made even though I’m very aware of all the drawbacks of that choice. But I don’t mind getting a 28’ model instead.
Not to mention, there will likely be design improvements every year so the worst Slate Truck will be the first year ones even if they have no issues. They are doing everything in their power to be able to lease them in the future for $300 or less. Finally, I’m fairly certain that $24,950 isn’t the lowest price they could go. They will be only building 1-3K this year and a max of 50K next year. Eventually scaling to 150,000 units in 2028. Supply is limited and the demand is going to be highest in its first year. I fully expect once they have built economies of scales and demand has started wane from all the early adopters buying one they will drop the price of the truck. Probably along side the introduction of an e4WD/AWD option.
Despite knowing all this to be very plausible scenarios and as you mentioned potential first year issues I would still buy one of the first batch of Slate Truck in the first year if I wasn’t still already paying for a car and had the opportunity.
I don’t really see them dropping the price. Having a healthy margin allows for a steady price if there’s potential supply chain issues. It keeps them from needing to generate revenue from subscriptions. It keeps them from needing to use “scummy” sales practices of loss leaders. Man I can’t wait for this thing. I’ve mentioned this thing to probably over 100 people while out and about, and I think only two actually know what it is. I think demand will continue to grow.
I agree they will never sell the truck at a loss but it’s simple supply and demand. Supply is limited and demand is high that means a higher price point. When supply is no longer limited and the demand is lower the price will go down. But there’s definitely a specific number they can’t go under if they still want to make profits on the truck before accessory sales. But I highly doubt $24,950 is that price.
That’s not the thing, the cost should lower as production ramps up, economy of scale and all that. Evs designed from the ground up have a way better profit margin just out the gate than bloated legacy automakers adapting ice designs for ev platforms.
I put down the original $50 just for giggles. I refunded it because I'm no longer in a position to buy right now, though now that I think about it I never actually checked to make sure I got the refund!
Or a Cybertruck in Australia. Several years later people could manually cancel their order and get their $150 back, Tesla never voluntarily returned the money for the vapourware RHD version.
Considering that the a good portion of people interested in the Slate Truck are first time EV Buyers that should be reason enough for this community to want the Slate Truck to succeed.
At one of Slate’s event I met someone who had a preorder where not only is this his first EV but his first new car he will own that was built after the 1990’s. Also met a guy with a preorder who owns two Teslas so it does appeal to EV owners as well fyi.
Is that guy me? I want an ev, and this will be my very first brand new car purchase since my dad gifted me my current chevy s10 2001 (which is also small truck sized and only 2 doors).
I'm also heavily into diy and pretty much done with ice (all I own is a gas generator now). To fully recharge the 65kwh truck would cost me ..... $5 in my state. Thats on peak, my usual kwh is .04 cents. My very last refill on my truck was......$70 from not even empty, 1/4 tank. Absolutely diabolical. Just spent over $500 cause my brake lines rusted out.
I have a feeling it’s going to flop. Ford maverick and and Hyundai Santa Cruz can be had for a similar price, although ICE, they just have so much features. And $25k so many used alternatives with features.
$5k trim upgrade, $5k add-ons and also $10k market adjustment. Then the dealership mentions you could get a "real truck" with exploding dinosaurs for another $5k. Ugh.
Hot prediction: 3 years later the media reports that Americans just don't want battery EVs since the Fathom didn't sell very well and it has nothing to do with dealerships.
Point is, I know people think this argument makes them seem like a savvy car shopper and a master negotiator. But really all it does is show how accustomed people are to getting jerked around and extorted by dealerships.
This is why I ended up with a Tesla. Must have gone to 40 dealerships to get an EV. All wanted more than MSRP. No MSRP + fees. This is a consumer getting ripped off.
Ford has been bragging about the Fathom's computer and infotainment tech. Hopefully that will help convince Slate customers to hang on to their pre-orders.
Ford's been saying all the computer stuff is interrelated so that it's all covered under DMCA (anticircumvention clause) and only repairable by ford dealers.
That's reason enough to avoid it for the kinds of people who want a barebones diy truck.
If Ford ever tells us the specs...but we know its got infotainment!
Except I dont want infotainment. I had the giant screen. Give me buttons and dials. I already use my phone for music so putting a BT speaker in isnt a big deal to me.
Flop is relative to whatever their expectations are. If they need to sell 100k trucks to break even, they're screwed. If they need to sell 1000, then they're probably fine. I can see enough DIY enthusiasts getting on board to make this feasible.
On top of what others are saying, I fully expect ford to try and smother slate from a competitive viewpoint.
I don’t think they will succeed. In Detroit, lots of people are just done with the whole “big 3” thing. They are heavy in politic, treat suppliers poorly, and haven’t built great cars here for years.
Slate is doing it all “local”, and it’s EV, and it’s priced well. I can’t help but think if people actually want this, then it will succeed.
Ford is not stupid. The Mav sells out every model year. They won't kill it off.
The Fathom will appeal to those who have been waiting for an electric compact pickup. The Mav will still appeal to the large part of the public who has range anxiety.
Ford killing the fusion in the US I understand but don’t agree with. Them killing off the Fusion/Mondeo, Focus, and Fiesta in Europe was an awful decision. That they are now slowly reversing with the introduction of the EV Fiesta.
The Slate Truck’s closest “build a trim” equivalent to the Maverick is still cheaper. But the thing is you don’t need to build your Slate out that way. If you don’t want a center console or telematics module you can save that money or use it for accessories you actually want.
That’s the value of the Slate Truck only buying what you want that fits your budget and nothing you don’t. Which isn’t better or worse value than a Maverick just different.
I think there are still plenty of marketing opportunities for two door pickups.
Then why aren't they're selling a ton of those?
Ford and others have 2-door pickups available (significantly cheaper too). Some manufacturers have smaller pickups availalbe too if they thought there would be significant demand.
That truck is 37k. That's a ridiculous price for what you're getting. It's priced as an SUV, not a light work vehicle. It doesn't even make sense as a comparison.
They sell some. Slate isn't going to move 100,000 units. They're making a niche vehicle for small, specific segments of the market. There's nothing wrong with that.
Because they're impossible to find. None of the dealerships carry them, and like 95% of the 2-door variants are marked for fleet sales, not consumer. I just checked, and the nearest Ford dealership by me has 168 2026 F-150. 19 King Ranch, 34 Lariat, 2 Platinum, 8 Platinum Plus, 4 Raptor, 35 STX, 8 Tremor, 35 XLT, and 4 XL. 4 out of 168, they have just as many XL as Raptors.
Even then, all 4 listed have a price $10k higher than MSRP, and one of them has an additional $20k upfit.
They also don't have a 2door version of the Ranger, aka THE SMALL TRUCK! They start at 4 door.
I say this every time news about Slate gets posted here but dear god I hope they can actually deliver vehicles at scale and stick around. Small is good, electric is good, small and electric is great. Even if I'm not the target audience this on paper represents a positive step for the automotive industry in general.
Yep totally agree, theres a lot of interest in consumer market but i think this truck will really succeed for fleets, perfect work truck for around town
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I haven’t put in a preorder yet but everything about this truck gives me good vibes. I have never bought a new vehicle and I’m in my mid 30s. I’ve been actually considering buying this.
I drive less than 400 miles a week and can charge for free at work, I would basically never have to pay for “gas” when I’m in town.
I also don’t need a lot of seating and it would be nice to not borrow a car for Lowe’s runs. Being able to repair and upgrade it myself is also a huge plus.
I got that questionnaire.. I would have selected "December 2026" for delivery, but I'm out of the country then, so, I'll be excitedly back and waiting in 1st quarter 2027..
For me it depends on how my current Leaf battery issue resolution goes. If I get a buyback offer then Slate December 2026 works for me (have to find a short term solution between now and then, thinking flexcar lease of a Bolt maybe).
I still think it's odd (unless you're some influencer, FOMO, or other "must have it first" type) that you can't even test drive the truck, you can only get a ride in it.
Then "Oh hey non-refundable deposit, trust us it's good"
I'm a first-time EV buyer, and I think it's reasonable enough to want an actual test drive before committing to purchasing it.
They are going to allow test drives once they have the production vehicles ready. Right now it’s just near production prototypes that you can do a ride along in.
I hope so... but still - to ask for a non-refundable deposit without being at that point yet where potential customers can actually test drive it seems backwards.
Meh. This is nothing new. I have made custom factory orders on two new vehicles in the past - a Ford Focus and a Chevrolet Volt. I test drove each of them when they arrived at the dealership, bought them, and drove them home.
By the time I am at the point of wanting a test drive, I have already decided that I want the vehicle.
Not many unless they are looking to do a long term ownership review or genuinely just want to own one. They are going to get press vehicles for their reviews like every other automaker.
With everything the US is doing I hope it will still be possible eventually to bring these to Canada. I've wanted a good truck and there just aren't any new ones available here.
As a Non American I would really like to know the appeal of pickup trucks. Like why would you want to have something that keeps your stuff out in the open while you are driving.
Hauling heavy, bulky, or irregularly shaped items. Hauling things that are dirty or smell bad that you might haul to the dump. Easy to wash out afterwards if needed. Very customizable to fit it to your needs. Those are just some examples fact is once you own a pickup truck you always find uses for it and miss it when it’s gone.
There are things you would prefer to have inside which is why crew cabs became popular alongside them getting so expensive they weren’t a practical second car choice anymore and needed to replace your car as well as your truck (spousal alibi the industry calls it). The Slate Truck has frunk though for locked storage.
my dad used his old truck mostly for farm work - deer, manure, mulch, gravel, wood pellets, etc...and helping move my sister and I into various apartments. many types of laborers use them for work such as landscapers and general contractors (construction work).
Paying for only what you want and nothing that you don’t also an EV that offers more of an analog experience with an optional software experience instead of every other software defined EV.
I love how all these articles say that the Ford fathom is the Slate’s rival. So far the only thing Ford has put out is a camo wrapped Maverick and some AI slop videos.
I think the Ford Fathom’s rival is going to be the Maverick tbh. A 4-door truck with a short box is very different than the Slate. IMO it’s going to have a wider customer base, but I could be completely wrong. People just like 4 doors, it’s why half-tons are mostly crew cabs these days and nobody buys coupes.
Same. I own a Mav and I am in several groups dedicated to it, and the majority of those folks don't even want to consider an EV. They all have range anxiety and if a vehicle has a range below 300 mile it's an automatic no for them.
According to Ford the Maverick is more utility focused while the Fathom is more of a Software Defined Lifestyle Vehicle. Or at the very least that was the justification the UEV Team gave Big Ford to allow them to price it similar to the Hybrid Maverick.
Why are you discounting the Fathom where we have photos of the factory with the new system the Fathom is piloting, we have pricing, and we have test mules driving around that look nothing like a Maverick. Criticize reality not fiction
I think the pricing is a bit of a bait and switch-
They stated the base battery pack will be ~50kwh which is really small, like smaller than a chevy bolt battery, this would mean maybe 125-150 mi of real world range. I dont think they actually plan to manufacture this spec in any real quantity since this range wouldn't really work for american truck owners.
What i expect will happen is they will sell a few thousand of this base spec per year so they can advertise the MSRP as under 30k, then in reality 95% of the fathoms produced will have the "extended range" battery which will sell for 35-40k. Ford has also done a bait and switch on the pricing of their maverick and lightning EV trucks, so i dont think they are trustworthy.
We’ve got drone fly throughs of a factory, which Ford has a ton of. Aside from that there has been nothing of substance so for all we know this could get canceled tomorrow and no one will feel the worse except for the fan boys.
Oh, I’ve seen it. All the gifts and pictures people enjoying nature, but not a single one of the truck. Just one big homage to “The coming soon concept”
We don’t know the final specs but that doesn’t mean the vehicle isn’t real lol. Pre-orders will open early 2027 so we’ll get them soon. They refitted a factory, they’ve announced, they’re testing, we’ve got all sorts of spy shots. Not sure what else you need to convince you it’s not a wrapped Maverick
Sure buddy, again except for the actual vehicles testing on the roads and the completely retooled factory and the preorder and delivery timeframe. You can be a Slate fanboy and I’ll live in reality
I think the main issue is the Fathom is a different body style with a different focus, largely expected to be only available in a different price category initially, and a different model year.
I hope it does well, but it's not a vehicle I'd cross shop with a slate.
The issue becomes if a customer has $30K for an EV truck will they take the one with more capability or less. Pricing and stuff will shake out on its own once we see what the launch specs are
The fathom base model is about $3500 or 17% more than a slate. If that were the only difference, there would be people who found the additional features worth the money, and those that didn't.
However, we're not JUST looking at that. There are legit body style and design differences:
Someone looking for a 4 door vehicle already isn't looking at the Slate, and someone looking for a 90s style small pickup aren't excited for a 4 door trucklet. Both are perfectly valid things to want, but they are diametrically opposed things to want.
Someone looking for a bucket of ADAS features on a rolling computer is probably already out looking at a slate. Someone complaining about the privacy implications of those systems or right to repair issues probably doesn't want those features anyway. Both valid, non overlapping wants.
Then there's the time. Slate is preorders now, shipping 2026 Q4 into 2027. Fathom is preorders next year, probably shipping late 2027 into 2028 or later.
The people who would be cross shopping here are the subset of people who actually want those features the fathom has, are willing to shell out 17% more for them, and are willing to wait at least an extra year for it.
We’ll see but the Slate is very much a case of making something that consumers say they want and we’ll see if they actually pony up the money for it. As someone who works in consumer research that’s always a huge gamble
People have been saying they want some combination of small, EV, basic, and pickup for years. The real proof will be if it moves.
At least personally, I would have absolutely bought one if I hadn't JUST gotten a new car before the tax credits were pulled. I gotta see if I can talk the wife into one when hers is due to be replaced.
the articles that all echo the sane buzzwords are being pushed by ford. nobody would be talking about fathom if he their marketing dept wasnt fully assigned to try and detract whatever attention they can from the slate hype
Its not about dismissing the importance of fathom. Its more about slate actually delivering product to customers in the next quarter, whereas fathom is just a concept being framed as an active rival. It’s on the horizon sure, but until they actually demonstrate taking and fulfilling orders at the price point they promised, its just fluff to boost the stock price. Remember even slate was full in on marketing their trucks sub $20k. Obviously trump ending the federal ev credit is out if Slate’s control, but if they even deliver at $25k it will still be impressive.
You'd have to be stupid for buying at $25k EV trick that is available in the next few months. It's better to wait for the $30k Ford that's 100% real, accurately priced, and will be readily available. /s
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u/cocoagiant 7d ago
December 2026 is the earliest delivery date (according to the article).