Tailosive EV

Slate Production Updates!

Slate’s latest newsletter reveals concrete progress on its EV pickup’s production line. The company confirms that 100% of its Body Shop robots are installed and running, a critical step for scaling volume, while the trim line – where windows, seats and wiring are fitted – is well underway. Slate also unveiled an in‑house shaker rig that subjects a completed truck to simulated 100,000‑plus miles of vibration, identifying weak points without real‑world mileage. The update notes that the firm has begun producing vehicle parts internally, likely to feed the newly operational robots, and that a final base‑price figure will be announced in June, aiming for the $25K‑$28K range. Pricing has shifted from an initial sub‑$20K promise after the federal EV tax credit was removed, prompting speculation about cost‑saving measures and material choices. Slate’s media contacts disclosed that prototype bodies use different composites than the production units, raising concerns about panel warping similar to early Tesla Cybercab examples. Battery chemistry is another focal point: the current NMC pack offers only ~150 mi range, while the loss of tax credits could push Slate toward cheaper, longer‑life LFP or even sodium‑ion cells, aligning with its low‑cost ethos. An SUV conversion kit is priced around $5,000, nudging a five‑seat version toward $30,000. If Slate can deliver a functional pickup at the projected price, it could carve a niche in the budget EV segment, forcing incumbents to reconsider cost structures. The choice of battery chemistry and the success of its automated assembly will determine whether the startup can sustain margins while meeting consumer expectations for durability and range.