You Can Purchase This Pickup for $4,000 Less Than Slate's EV Without Having to Crank a Single Window | Carscoops

      The excitement surrounding Slate is significant, but what do we find when we compare it to a real pickup truck that you can purchase today, which—believe it or not—also includes speakers?

      14 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Slate's $28K electric truck is still under development, while Ford's Maverick is currently available.

      The Maverick surpasses Slate's EV in terms of range, towing capacity, and features.

      Production for the Slate EV is anticipated to commence towards the end of 2026.

      There’s no denying that Slate Auto is gaining a lot of attention at the moment. Their upcoming truck, which can also be configured as an SUV, appears promising as it aims to eliminate excess and provide an affordable, functional utility vehicle. It even features an electric drivetrain for lower operating costs.

      All of this sounds appealing, right? In theory, it’s an attractive concept, but here’s the catch: what Slate is proposing for the future (and much more) is already available today in the Ford Maverick.

      Pricing: Expectations vs. Reality

      Let’s begin with its major selling point, which initially caused a stir online: the price. Slate's newly announced pickup claims a starting price of "around $28,000," but that is hardly guaranteed. Assuming no changes occur (a significant assumption), after accounting for the $7,500 federal tax credit, the base price could hypothetically drop to around $20,500.

      However, again, that's purely theoretical. Given that the Trump administration has hinted at eliminating these credits, it's uncertain what the situation will be by late 2026 when it is expected to hit the market.

      On the flip side, you can currently walk into any Ford dealership and leave with a 2024 Maverick XL for $23,920. This price is for the 250-hp 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder model. If you check Ford's site, you'll find this is the model they recommend. For the 2025 model year, prices start at $26,995 for the 191-hp 2.5-liter hybrid FWD version and $27,570 for the 250-hp EcoBoost AWD variant. This is before considering any additional deals or potential discounts, alongside delivery fees, of course.

      Range and Efficiency

      Now, let’s discuss efficiency and range. Slate’s truck promises a range of 150 miles with its base model, which utilizes a 52.7 kWh battery. While the optional 84.3 kWh battery, offering up to 240 miles of range, appears more appealing, it comes at an extra cost. According to the Detroit-based company, charging will require between 4 to 8 hours.

      For the purpose of comparison, we’re focusing on the 2024 Maverick XL with the 2.0L turbo, the most affordable model currently available. This base trim provides 26 mpg according to the EPA, whereas the hybrid version with a 191-hp engine can achieve up to 42 mpg combined.

      And let's not overlook convenience. You can refuel the Maverick at any gas station in the U.S. in about 3 minutes. There’s no need to wait for hours as your truck "recharges," hoping the charging station isn’t busy or, worse, out of order. Mathematically, the Maverick’s EPA numbers offer nearly 430 miles of range, while Slate’s truck promises just over a third of that, assuming no extreme weather conditions.

      Specifications

      Slate's concept includes some interesting features like swappable body panels and modular components, but let’s be honest: fun, creative ideas don’t always stand up to real-world challenges involving potholes, payloads, and frigid mornings.

      When it comes to payload, let’s analyze the specifications. Slate can tow up to 1,000 lbs and carry 1,433 lbs of cargo. Meanwhile, the base Maverick can double the towing capacity at 2,000 lbs and has a 1,500-lb payload capability. The Slate features a five-foot bed, while the Maverick’s bed measures a bit smaller at 4.5 feet.

      That being said, the Maverick can accommodate five passengers at all times, even when the bed is in use, whereas Slate claims a leading cargo volume of 35.1 cu. ft. along with an additional 7 cu. ft. in the frunk, compared to the Maverick’s 33.3 cu. ft.

      Slate’s EV is exceedingly minimalistic, lacking even basic amenities like speakers.

      We won’t delve too deeply into the quality and features since we've only seen the prototype through photos, not in person, and things could change by the time it goes into production. However, judging by close-up images from our friends at The Autopian, this vehicle might make a 1980s Lada Niva seem luxurious. To be fair, their motto