Slate Electric Pickup: A Thorough First‑Drive Review

When Slate announced its first all‑electric pickup, the buzz was unmistakable – think bold, think rugged, think "maybe finally something that can replace a traditional work truck." I was lucky enough to snag a demo unit for a full day of testing, and, honestly, the experience was a mixed bag of thrills and head‑scratches.

First impressions matter, and Slate nailed it on that front. The truck’s exterior is a confident mash‑up of angular lines and smooth surfaces, giving it a presence that’s hard to ignore. It’s not trying to look like a nerdy EV; the front grille is replaced with a sleek, illuminated badge, and the muscular fenders suggest you could haul a trailer without flinching. I admit, I found myself pausing at every corner just to take a photo.

Step inside, and the cabin feels surprisingly spacious. The seats are supportive – a big plus if you’re planning long hauls – and the infotainment screen spans almost the entire dash, complete with over‑the‑air updates that promise to keep the software fresh. There’s a touch of redundancy here, though: both physical knobs and touchscreen controls for climate, which can feel a tad confusing at first. Still, the overall vibe is modern without being gimmicky.

Now, onto the thing everyone cares about: performance. The Slate packs a single‑speed motor that churns out about 500 lb‑ft of torque, delivering that instant pull you expect from an electric truck. Zero‑to‑60 rolls around the low‑four‑second mark, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size. When you’re cruising on the highway, the motor is whisper‑quiet, and the ride feels smooth, even over potholes. However, the real test is towing. With a 5,000‑pound trailer attached, the range shrank dramatically – something to keep in mind if your job involves frequent hauling.

Speaking of range, Slate advertises a 250‑mile EPA estimate. In my mixed‑city and highway drive, I managed roughly 220 miles before the battery warning light came on. That’s decent, but it falls short of competitors pushing 300‑plus miles. The fast‑charging capability is respectable: a 150‑kW charger topped the battery to 80% in about 35 minutes, which is useful on a long road trip but still not lightning‑fast compared to some rivals.

Price is always the elephant in the room. Slate’s base model starts at $69,900 before any incentives, which positions it squarely in the premium bracket. Add a few optional packages – advanced driver‑assist features, a solar roof option, or the off‑road suspension – and you’re looking at $80,000 or more. For many buyers, that price tag will be a deal‑breaker unless the brand’s reputation and design pull enough weight.

So, should you consider the Slate electric pickup? If you value a bold aesthetic, strong low‑end torque, and a comfortable interior, it’s certainly a contender. But if your priority is maximum range or a lower price point, there are other electric trucks that make more sense right now. Slate shows promise, and with a few tweaks – maybe a larger battery pack and a more competitive pricing strategy – it could become a serious threat to the established players.