Slate's Electric Pickup Signifies the Comeback of the Compact Single Cab Truck

      Slate, Ford, Andrew P. Collins

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      It's well-known that pickup trucks have grown significantly larger over the years, particularly in the past few decades. Models that were once considered small, like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, have changed drastically. The phenomenon of larger new models is undeniable, and with crew cabs dominating the American market, it makes the newly unveiled Slate pickup stand out—it’s a true, straightforward single cab that's genuinely compact. It represents a fresh take on a familiar concept.

      For quick reference, the Slate measures 174.6 inches from front to back with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches. This makes it exactly one inch shorter overall than a first-generation Ford Ranger with a standard bed, though its wheelbase is one inch longer than that earlier model. The Slate is wider at 70.6 inches, compared to the original Ranger, which was just under 67 inches, yet it still qualifies as small. When compared to the Ford Maverick, which is only offered in crew cab form, the difference is clear. The Slate will not even be available in an extended cab version, let alone a full four-door configuration.

      There was a time when Americans had a different mindset about vehicle sizes. While we have generally favored the notion of “bigger is better” in areas like food and military might, there has always been genuine value in a practical pickup that can be parked conveniently. That’s what the Bezos-supported Slate aims to recapture; it doesn’t seek to impress anyone with extraordinary speed or heavy-duty performance.

      The designers of the Slate clearly had specific intentions in mind. Slate (left), Ford (right)

      This pickup offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,433 pounds between its cab and five-foot bed. These figures closely resemble those of a first-generation Ranger. Although Ford provided both four-cylinder and V6 engine choices, the Slate operates solely on electric power. Before you sigh, it features a single motor driving the rear wheels, supported by a reasonably sized 52.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack to keep the weight at 3,602 pounds. This setup provides an estimated range of about 150 miles, while an available 84.3-kWh battery might extend that range to around 240 miles. It produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, which is also relatively modest.

      If you’re concerned that the electric powertrain might complicate the truck, you might feel reassured knowing it comes with crank windows and lacks a touchscreen inside. The wheels are made of steel. It will only be available in one basic configuration from the factory, with additional options available through an accessory catalog if desired, but customization isn't necessary.

      As for the price, there’s a reason I haven't mentioned it until now. Slate anticipates it will be priced at “under $20,000 after federal incentives,” which sounds appealing, but it remains uncertain whether those federal incentives will still be available when the truck finally goes into production, which is expected to happen in 2026.

      In many aspects, the Slate resembles the compact single-cabs of the past. It fulfills the criteria for a small truck without overcomplicating things. We're still over a year away from seeing its performance in the real world, which may be overly optimistic, but I hope it succeeds. Just imagine the implications for the rest of the market if other truck manufacturers witness the success of a straightforward single-cab model selling well.

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