I saw the slate truck and I'm worried

[w00h00]

Wifey and I were just talking about this new Slate truck. I finally saw one up close, and I love that it’s a truck (and an EV), but holy cow, it is stripped.
Crank windows. No infotainment. No carpet. The lack of basic stuff is a huge gamble. Everyone online says they want a cheap, stripped-down work truck, but let's be real: ICE two-door work trucks don't sell for a reason.
The biggest head scratcher is actually the crank windows. why oh why??? I think power windows are actually cheaper now because of economies of scale and mass production, right?

is Slate just doing the cranks and no screen to be intentionally basic and prove a point? is it a gimmick to hit that low base price, and they know everyone will just buy the power window accessory kit anyway?
I'm interested in buying it, but I'm worried it's too basic to be a real, viable product against the Maverick or just cheaper, better EVs from China.

Thoughts from the group? Good idea or doomed to fail?

 

[tuned&loaded]

Crank windows keep costs down and make the electric stuff easier, they're sturdier and break less. Slate's going after businesses and folks who want simple, cheap EVs. It's a bit of a risk for regular buyers, but if they price it right against the Maverick, they might just score big with companies.

 

[ruggedhaul]

I see your point, it’s a pretty bold decision. The crank windows and absence of a screen seem like a clear statement, but I suspect it’s also about hitting that sub-$20K price point. This could appeal to fleet buyers or DIY modders, but honestly, it’s still early to know if the market will really take to that level of simplicity over time.

 

[RustybutTrusty]

Also worth noting: fewer electronics means easier repairs and less parasitic drain on the battery. Slate’s modular add-on strategy could let buyers customize later without bloating the base cost.