Slate Truck – The Potential Game Changer

Let’s talk about the new Slate truck. Well we already HAVE been actually. Below are 2 videos from Wooley, and Slate Posse is a Facebook group we created for the new truck’s potential aftermarket culture. But back to the point here: Yeah, the Slate an EV. And if you know me, you know that I’d normally rather chew gravel than sing the praises of something that runs on batteries. But hear me out – because Slate is different.

 

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I don’t “hate EVs”…

But I hate the lies they were sold under. And that’s an important (and often difficult) distinction to make. EVs came with disingenuous “zero emissions, sustainable” marketing spin that I hate/hated. And 1st-world governments manipulated & legislated the electric vehicles like they had a stake in the game. I also despised how most of the auto industry went along with the agenda… even though they all knew it was often not in the customers’ best interests of affordability, serviceability, longevity, cost, or control. And in the process, they turned their backs on their fanbase. I 100% agree with what Wooley has been saying: it’s not ‘the EV’ that’s the problem – it’s the way it’s being forced down our throats like overcooked broccoli with a side of guilt. So while I’m mature enough to keep EVs separate from their marketing lies, manipulation, and deception, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t damage their reputation.

 

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But look – the Slate truck is different…

First & foremost, it’s not over-engineered, overweight, or overpriced. Slate’s not claiming to be your savior from climate change. And Slate’s not packed with glitz-&-glam gizmos that’ll be obsolete before your first oil – err – battery coolant change. It’s simple – a blank Slate. Buy it bare-bones, and build it how you want it… on your own terms & budget. Yep that’s right, it’s also modular. Two seats or five?  Radio or naaah? Basic pickup or SUV? …Or Fastback? Slate even lets you purchase upgrades & options later. And – they’ll even walk you through the installs with videos/instruction they call Slate University. The right size, the right price, the right approach – that’s why Slate is so significant to the auto industry right now.

I don’t care if Jeff Bezos backs Slate…

It could be Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, or Marilyn Manson. Doesn’t matter. What does matter is that Slate is American-made, prioritizing American (battery) resources. And – Slate is bringing back the spirit of small, economical pickups. Trucks that don’t run more than you mortgage, come with Wi-Fi signal, deactivate your cylinders, or turn themselves off at stoplights… or come with an app to help you remember what side of Costco you parked at. A return to simple & straightforward. That’s what makes Slate a game-changer…

But Slate is not alone…

Every so often you get vehicles & new concepts that change the game: Mustang, Miata, Minivan, early M cars. And yes… even the Prius & Tesla. But not every game-changer got their trophy right out the gate. Some showed up & confused everyone. Follow me for just a second…

The Pontiac Aztek:

It was hideous, but it was right… it just showed up 15 years too early. GM built the Aztek with the goal of creating a lifestyle vehicle. It was a crossover before crossovers were popular. Something that wasn’t just a car, but a mobile basecamp for active, outdoorsy people. Was it pretty? Hell no. Did it sell well? Also no. But was it right? Absolutely. It came with an optional tent attachment. And a center console that doubled as a removable cooler. The Aztek also had a built-in air compressor, all-wheel-drive, and a plastic-clad ‘ruggedized’ body that you didn’t have to baby. Sound familiar? Yes – it literally sounds like every ‘overland edition’ crossover sold today. From Subaru to Rivian to everything in-between, they’re all somewhat following the Aztek’s blueprint.

Acura NSX:

In the ’80s and early ’90s, supercars had a reputation. And not always the good kind. Yes they were fast, exotic, & sexy. But they were also unreliable, temperamental, and about as comfortable as a brick wrapped in leather. Then came Honda. Honda/Acura dropped the NSX in 1990. It was mid-engine, all-aluminum body, dual overhead cams, and popped VTEC. Designed with input from Ayrton Senna himself, the NSX was a reliable supercar bargain. It gave you the supercar layout, exotic materials, F1 pedigree… and then it started every time you turned the key. No drama; no ritualistic warm-up procedures. But here’s the thing: people didn’t get it. Exotic owners wanted the exotic badge. The NSX lacked the pedigree… and the drama. It didn’t leak oil on your garage floor or throw temper tantrums on hot days. And for some, that was a problem. The NSX didn’t feel like a supercar because it didn’t act like one. But fast-forward to now, and the NSX is an icon. It influenced the likes of McLaren. And it made Ferrari and Lamborghini take a long, hard look in the mirror.

But Back to the Slate…

The EV mold needs breaking. And maybe – just maybe – this stripped-down, modular, American-made EV pickup will do more than just sell a few units to early adopters. Maybe it’ll shake the trees a lil bit. The Slate truck might not look like a revolution. But if it lights a fire under the right feet… it could start one.

Article by David S. Windsor

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