Earlier today, I posted pictures of this truck next to my Lightning. I took a video at the time, but didn’t upload the video in the original post.

was just playing around and actually don't hate it ($30K build). gonna be hard to finalize a design in dec! the biggest draws to Slate for me were the customization options, pricing and no smart features/driver aids/touchscreens.

haven't been this excited for a vehicle since i got my first custom ordered MINI Cooper. i'm a single dude that drives less than 50miles a week so this fits my bill perfectly (currently have a MINI GP3 two seater so space is perfect)

edit: here's a link to the build: https://www.slate.auto/share/TSWHUL

Parked my 2023 Lightning next to it for scale.

Finally we hear the Slate horn sound -- https://www.slateforums.com/forum/threads/horn-sound-clip-%F0%9F%93%A2-official-from-slate.16926/

Thought we were going to get punk'd while watching the video.

What we are trying to avoid.

I got the email today and immediately reserved my spot for a test ride on Oct 31 at 10:45am in Freehold NJ!!!

How do I find information about the Chicago experience?

What are the days/hours?

Is there a phone/ email contact?

Is the opportunity for a ride along just 1st come?

It’s a whole day trip for me and I’d like to maximize my opportunity!

Basically the title, being able to use the trucks battery in blackouts or in place of a generator at a job site is obviously a great thing to have.

Not the best photo but hoping to get more today. My friend is at this event in Miami and he sent me this shot yesterday. They have this slate on display. He said he will go back today and get more photos and videos. I like this classic color combo!

Just thought I'd throw this out there and save some headaches. Maybe someone can debunk this and dismiss my concern.

I did some searching and found images like the one above. It might not be PP in the photo, but I expect a similar result: cloudy, uneven streaks.

Why? Surface energy. Polypropylene has a low surface energy, which means most waxes and adhesives will not bond well to it. The wax may initially stick but is likely to peel off or wash away when exposed to rain or heat.

I think this is pretty accurate...

Hopefully you can read this

What will work around it?

I check the events tab multiple times a day and when I looked about ten minutes ago, it listed October 28-31 at Freehold Mall in Freehold, NJ. I knew it would be in my neck of the woods when they said "New york metropolitan area" because here in jersey we always get shaded like that. Cmon slate!

List of patents posted:
https://www.slateforums.com/slate-patents-revealed-telematics-software-updates-reconfigurable-vehicle-more/

Credit to highland at Slateforums.

I had seen the Slate location open in the old Tesla building on Grand and then saw this guy flying around. Looked pretty good.

Was it designed from scratch? Or purchased, like Scout from Rivian?

What type of frame? Monocoque/unibody or body-on-rails? Solid axle with leaf springs or independent with coils/struts?

Sorry if I'm not understanding how BEVs' frames work. But these are the questions I've been wondering about. Haven't reserved yet, but they'll probably get my $300 soon, just as an option. I just wish tow capacity was more like 6500 lbs.

My Preorder mock-up. I selected early 2027 for delivery because I am out of the country in December. Any one getting delivery so far? Any hints as to time frames? Eagerly awaiting the day!

When will the Slate be available?

Preorders are now open! First deliveries are slated for late 2026.

First looks at the FLATED inflated bed topper, air mattress, sleeping platform test fitted on Slate pickup:
https://www.slateforums.com/forum/threads/inflatable-bed-topper-air-mattress-sleeping-platform-by-flated-installed-on-slate-pickup.16884/

Looks like convenient ways to mount a topper cap and setup overnight sleeping setup.

Look at all those fees. Look at all those exclusions. Look at all the malarkey. Ford dealers= Clown School Graduates.

So, my wife and I drove down to Chicago from Wisconsin to get a look at this thing on Friday. Had an 11:30 ride along booking, got there at 11. The goddess of parking blessed us with a spot a block away from the shop.

The check-in staff was great, all the slate staff was great. Actual enthusiasm in the place, not retail enthusiasm. Had a few minutes to look at the two trucks in the showroom and the squareback suv before getting in line.

Line moved quick. We got our rides at 11:35. I didn't catch the name of my driver, but she seemed in a pretty good mood considering she was driving around the same Chicago block answering the same questions all day.

The drive was too short, but it answered my biggest concern. I've got 35 years of driving at this point, and the muscle memory of "foot off gas completely and cover the brake pedal" is pretty engrained. I was very concerned about the "aggressive" one-pedal driving.

I don't think it will be an issue. She wound the truck up to 45 mph and pulled her foot completely off the go-pedal and...the truck slows down. Not dramatically, not forcefully, but smoothly. Like a manual transmission truck one gear down from top compression braking. In the slower streets, around 25mph, the deck was more abrupt, but nothing startling. There would be a learning curve for sure, but it's looks incredibly forgiving.

Second question answered was 12v auxillary power. I asked about a fuse panel or buss bar where a standard car radio could be connected. Answer was that a standard radio would not really be compatible since the 12v auxiliary circuit is only live when the truck is operating. A standard DIN head unit would lose its setting every time the truck is shut off. Further, there is no provision for an antenna.

(Little do they know I have a radio out of an 83 Ford in the garage whose settings consist of a knob for volume and a knob for tuning, and a drill and bit roughly the size of an antenna cable.)

As for the photos, these are what stood out. Bed has 43" between the wheel wells, so a standard North American pallet will fit. Bed feels solid, moreso than some of the new aluminum boxes on certain "trucks".

Doors remind me of my 82 Volvo wagon. Thick, heavy, positive. Closing was super smooth and satisfying (tailgate too). Window winders entirely adequate. I've spent too many hours replacing electrical window winders to be put off by a little cranky cranky.

The underbelly is smooth. Dead smooth. Like a toboggan. Everyone is concerned about lack of AWD - pffft. Get a set of Nokian Hakkapeliittas on it and it's going to be a tank. Between the weight distribution (and overall weight) and the slippery bottom, I wouldn't be surprised if the Slate doesn't end up with a reputation for snow like the old air-cooled VW beetles.

I was a little skeptical going in, I kept my hopes down. But now, now I'm convinced. It may be made from recycled Pringles lids, but it's an actual truck.