Ah, well to each their own as to what makes something fit into a classification.
The slate certainly won’t be able to perform the same tasks that a large truck can, but there’s already many options for large trucks, and currently no options for small trucks. A 1980’s Toyota Hilux with only 100hp and 130lb-ft wouldn’t have been able to perform the same tasks as a 1980’s Ford F-350, but many people don’t perform the tasks a larger truck is capable of. For them, the cost savings that come with a smaller lighter, and more simple truck with enough capabilities for their needs may be a far more appealing option.
The trucks that everyone wants this to duplicate; Ranger, Hilux, S10, Durango etc, were real trucks, with full frames, and could do real truck things. The slate is a poseur.
What sort of truck things could an old 4 cylinder hilux do that a slate couldn’t? (besides tow a light load long distances, which EV’s aren’t very good at due to how drastically reduces the range from added drag, but that’s the compromise made for buyers who are concerned about climate change).
Could always take a page from the aussies and call 'em a Ute. Everybody loves a good ute. :)
I am very familiar with what it is, and what it isn’t. No real frame, it’s not a real truck. It’s unibody construction like any other sport cute SUV.
Ah, well to each their own as to what makes something fit into a classification.
The slate certainly won’t be able to perform the same tasks that a large truck can, but there’s already many options for large trucks, and currently no options for small trucks. A 1980’s Toyota Hilux with only 100hp and 130lb-ft wouldn’t have been able to perform the same tasks as a 1980’s Ford F-350, but many people don’t perform the tasks a larger truck is capable of. For them, the cost savings that come with a smaller lighter, and more simple truck with enough capabilities for their needs may be a far more appealing option.
As for it being a unibody, I don’t think that will be much of a detriment for the types of tasks people have in mind for it, and supposedly it’s designed to be stronger than a traditional unibody, though we’ll have to see if that claim is accurate.
The trucks that everyone wants this to duplicate; Ranger, Hilux, S10, Durango etc, were real trucks, with full frames, and could do real truck things. The slate is a poseur.
What sort of truck things could an old 4 cylinder hilux do that a slate couldn’t? (besides tow a light load long distances, which EV’s aren’t very good at due to how drastically reduces the range from added drag, but that’s the compromise made for buyers who are concerned about climate change).
Could always take a page from the aussies and call 'em a Ute. Everybody loves a good ute. :)
The guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about, the Slate doesn’t even have a FWD option, RWD only.