The best way to order your Slate truck

You might be looking at the new Slate truck and SUV option from Slate Auto and thinking to yourself that you might want to get one. In addition to putting down a $50 refundable deposit, you’re probably thinking about how you’re going to spec it out. The key with Slate is that it’ll be a back-to-basics pickup that you’ll be able to option — a la carte — to fit your needs.

On the surface, this seems like a great idea. It’s also likely how the company will plan on making margin, because a $20,000 EV (after federal tax incentive, if that still exists, approximately $27,000 if it doesn’t) doesn’t come with a ton of profit baked in.

If you head over to Slate’s site, you can configure a truck (or an SUV with the flat pack, do-it-yourself-if-you-want-to upgrade), but there is no pricing listed. Of course, it’s way too soon to have pricing on these accessories, but we’d imagine that it’d be pretty easy to add up to $35,000 or more without breaking a sweat. We think that at around $30,000, the truck could be considered a reasonable deal. If you’re paying $35,000 or more for it, it’s probably not the best way to go.

We combed through the current configurator, and here’s how we think you should spec the truck.

Let’s first talk about the SUV option. Slate will do it for you, or you can do it yourself, but a roll bar, new roof component, seats, and airbags are added. It’s still a two-door vehicle when you’re done, but you’ll be able to seat 5. This, presumably, will be a reasonably pricey option, and if you’re looking for a 5-seat SUV-type vehicle, you might be better off looking at other options out there, even in the EV space. If it’s the only option you go for, and you’re out the door for less than, like $27,000, it’s probably worth it. But something like a Chevrolet Equinox, Hyundai Kona EV, or the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt will be more comfortable, have more features, and come with the benefit of doors so rear-seat passengers don’t need to climb into the back.

The only factory option, we’ve learned, is the battery size. The standard battery is going to be good for approximately 150 miles of range. Your mileage will, of course, vary. Those are only projected range targets, as it’s too soon for proper EPA range testing. The upgraded battery will be more expensive, for sure, but net you around 240 miles. While we can’t speak to pricing for sure, a $3,000 upcharge will likely be the minimum, with $5,000 being more realistic. Depending on the state of the world at the time, it could be higher.

The point is, while the battery upgrade might be a pricey option, if you need the range, you need the range. If you want an EV pickup truck with 240 miles of range, you’re going to want the Slate, as the next options are significantly more money. If you wish to go hybrid, you have other options that are less expensive than going to a Ford F-150 Lightning. The Maverick, especially in hybrid, isn’t too much bigger than the Slate, provides seating for up to 5 people, and gets decent fuel economy while still having a truck bed. At least you won’t need a charging cord.

The other option we’d probably order from Slate, if it were us, would be the power window upgrade. It’s something you can probably do yourself, as it’ll be sold as an accessory, but most people are going to want power windows, and it makes sense to get them when you get the truck. Maybe you’re okay with hand-cranking windows, but really, it’s not a particularly pleasant experience long-term.

That’s it.

The exterior we’d let come in slate color as is, since you can get it wrapped at any time, and the only way you can get it in another color is to wrap it. As for interior options, most of the options are stuff you can get later (from Slate if you want to) or from the crop of vendors that will show up when this truck goes on sale. We expect, if the truck is popular enough, that there to be a thriving maker community around the truck, with 3D printer accessories being readily available.

The bring-your-own Bluetooth speaker mount, for example, looks easily printable at home.

Until we see a truck in person, we’re not sure how the factory-available speakers are wired. We know that in order to use them, you pair your phone or device to them over Bluetooth, so they’re likely just connected through 12-volt power. Bringing your own speakers will likely net a much better listening experience for similar price, though.

The cool thing about the truck is that it’s — ahem — a blank slate for you to do your own thing with. That’s why we think that you should keeps the options you go with low. It allows for you to be more creative in accesorizing your vehicle, plus it will also keep the price reasonable. At the anticipated price, the truck is a value. But depending on options, you might make it expensive enough that the value proposition no longer makes sense.