The Verge reports on a new electric pickup truck called the Slate, aiming for a base price of $20,000. To achieve this low cost, the truck will be barebones, lacking features considered standard in modern vehicles like paint (it will ship with a raw metal finish), a stereo system, and an infotainment screen. Instead of traditional dealerships, the Slate will be sold directly to consumers, further cutting costs. While the truck's range and other specifications are not yet finalized, it's being marketed as a utilitarian work vehicle.
The Verge reports on an intriguing development in the burgeoning electric vehicle market: a nascent company named Slate is aiming to disrupt the industry with an exceptionally spartan, utilitarian electric pickup truck priced at a remarkably low $20,000. This vehicle, eschewing many of the amenities and aesthetic flourishes commonly associated with modern automobiles, represents a radical departure from the increasingly feature-rich and consequently expensive offerings of established manufacturers. Slate's minimalist approach is manifested in a number of key design choices. The truck will be delivered without any paint whatsoever, presenting a bare-bones, industrial aesthetic embodied by the raw metal construction. This lack of paint contributes significantly to the cost savings, eliminating a complex and often expensive stage of the manufacturing process. Further emphasizing functionality over luxury, the vehicle will be devoid of a traditional stereo system, forgoing the entertainment features typically expected in contemporary vehicles. Similarly, the digital interfaces prevalent in modern cars, such as infotainment screens and navigation systems, will be entirely absent, further reducing complexity and cost while reinforcing the truck's purely utilitarian nature. While the article acknowledges the niche appeal of such a stripped-down vehicle, it posits that the low price point and focus on essential functionality could attract buyers in specific market segments, such as small businesses, farms, and other operations prioritizing practical utility over comfort and technological conveniences. The article also mentions an investment from Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, suggesting a potential alignment with Amazon's logistics operations and a possible future role for the Slate truck within their delivery network. This investment underscores the growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions and the potential for innovative, cost-effective electric vehicles to play a significant role in decarbonizing various industries. The overall tone of the article suggests cautious optimism, acknowledging the significant challenges Slate faces in bringing this unconventional vehicle to market while also highlighting the potential for disruption in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Summary of Comments ( 1154 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43794284
Hacker News commenters were generally skeptical of the Slate truck's claimed $20,000 price point, citing the history of vaporware and overly optimistic projections in the EV space. Some questioned the viability of a bare-bones approach, arguing that even a basic work truck needs certain features. Others pointed out that the target market, tradespeople and contractors, might prefer used ICE trucks for their reliability and established ecosystem of parts and repairs. A few commenters expressed interest in the concept, especially if it could be customized with aftermarket parts, but the overall sentiment leaned towards cautious pessimism. Several also criticized the Verge article's writing style and focus on Jeff Bezos.
The Hacker News comments section for the article "A $20k American-made electric pickup with no paint, no stereo, no screen" discusses various aspects of the Slate EV pickup truck, focusing on its minimalist approach and target market.
Several commenters are skeptical of the $20,000 price point, believing it's unlikely to be achieved or maintained, especially given the rising costs of battery materials. They compare it to other vehicles like the Chevy Bolt and suggest that even with the stripped-down features, matching that price would be challenging. Some suspect that the final price will be significantly higher.
A recurring theme is the practicality and appeal of such a barebones vehicle. Some users argue that the lack of basic features like a radio and air conditioning would limit its market to very specific niche uses, such as farm work or off-roading. Others counter that this minimalist design could be attractive to a certain segment of buyers who prioritize functionality and low cost above comfort and entertainment. The potential for customization and aftermarket additions is also brought up, with some suggesting the truck could be a good platform for DIY enthusiasts.
The discussion also touches on the manufacturing and distribution challenges facing a new automotive company. Commenters express doubts about Slate's ability to scale production and compete with established automakers, especially given the complexities of the supply chain and the competitive electric vehicle market.
The target market for the Slate truck is debated, with some suggesting it could appeal to tradespeople and businesses looking for a utilitarian work vehicle, while others believe its appeal would be limited to early adopters and EV enthusiasts. The comparison to early Ford Model T trucks is made, highlighting the potential for a basic, affordable vehicle to disrupt the market.
Some commenters express interest in the vehicle's potential for off-roading and its rugged, utilitarian design. They see it as a potential alternative to traditional gas-powered off-road vehicles, particularly if it can deliver on its promised performance and price.
Finally, the environmental impact of electric vehicles is discussed, with some commenters questioning the overall sustainability of battery production and disposal. However, others argue that even with these concerns, electric vehicles represent a significant improvement over gasoline-powered vehicles in terms of emissions and long-term environmental impact.