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Slate Truck First Drive Review

Engadget •
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The Slate Truck is a radically simplified, all‑electric pickup that strips away paint, stereo, touchscreen and other frills to deliver a minimum‑viable vehicle. It offers a single motor with 181 horsepower, a 205‑mile range, 2,000‑pound towing capacity and a 1,550‑pound payload in its five‑foot bed. Designed for easy vinyl wrapping, the truck’s body can be customized in a few hours for a few hundred dollars.

During a brief hour‑long drive, the throttle felt relaxed, making low‑speed maneuvers easy, while the lack of paint reduced the penalty of any accidental contact. Interior plastics are utilitarian, but exposed screw heads and a T‑slot dash provide mounting points for accessories like a smartphone holder, which held a Galaxy S25 Ultra for navigation. The simple LCD behind the wheel shows speed and charge, and the rear‑view camera appears in reverse; visibility is good enough that the camera feels redundant.

Priced at $24,950—higher than the original sub‑$20,000 target due to federal regulations—the Slate Truck promises a bare‑bones, productivity‑focused experience. First deliveries are expected before year‑end, offering a platform for chores, DIY projects and further customization.