this post was submitted on 25 Jun 2026
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I’d happily pay 35k for twice the range, but that’s not on offer… also, the towing capacity is a dealbreaker.
I mean... Twice the range is 410 miles. The cheapest EV with that range is like $70k? Yeah I'd pay $35k for twice the range too.
It’s a barebones truck though. My expectation is that if they’re selling it to be modded, there’s no reason they can’t make the range better. They’re clearly going the planned obsolescence route to get people to upgrade their trucks down the line for more range. I’m just pissed they couldn’t make range be the number one priority… it’s smaller, but 2/3 as efficient as a model y, which has the same battery capacity and 3.25x the towing capacity
Lease returned Lucids are sub $50k for 500+
True, but I'm talking about new cars.
It’s an EV. In order to be cost effective, it has a limited range.
That said, it is very modular so if someone developed something like the International (VW) Scout Harvester for it (essentially turning it into a PHEV), it would have much more range.
What if I fill the bed up to the cargo capacity of the vehicle in nothing but batteries? :D
Then you have the same problem with all EVs.
Increasing battery capacity also increases weight which decreases efficiency.
At a certain point, adding batteries actually decreases range because you are using more energy to move a larger load.
That said, you would exceed the Payload of Slate before you got to that point.
I was thinking of a small generator like the International Harvester in the Frunk, like the Scout.
Despite the inefficiency of ICE, Petrol is still the most readily available, energy dense portable fuel source. New future battery technology may change that…
"Very modular" sounds like a bad thing to me, if the essential part's and pieces that make it "go" don't meet the minimum expectations of a gas powered vehicle in the same price range (plus 20%) then it's DOA. If the platform is weak then adding stuff is only going to make it worse.
Sort of like buying a 2010 Ford Ranger 4cyl 2wd then putting side steps, spot lights, aftermarket heated seats, aftermarket stereo, lift spacers, and fat tires. But at the end of the day, you're still driving a piece of crap.
If the base parts aren't great then why bother.
I’m not recommending a GM LSX connected to a generator, and I’m not recommending a Honda Eu22i either. Something purpose built to backup the battery that can provide 7kW/h to the battery, just to top it up as necessary.
The Slate is designed to be an EV from the ground up. (We don’t know how well designed, until they are actually available). They are also designed to be customised to suit the use case. Adding accessories will compromise on other aspects of the vehicle; changing it into a wagon with rear seats means you won’t be able to carry large items, but you will be able to carry a couple extra passengers.