I was hoping there would be at least 2 Slate Trucks on website so I might compare develop quality in between trucks and examine things like panel spaces, window operation, and chassis creaks. Just one truck was on display screen. And it wasn’t near a production design; rather, the black Slate Truck was a hand-built older model with a black wrap (the Slate Truck base color is gray). The bed and guest sides were cordoned off, however the driver-side door was open so buyers might hop in and take a look at the interior.

It was larger than I anticipated– to my eye, approximately the size of a Hyundai Santa Cruz. The tailgate was down, and it felt reassuringly strong when I pushed down on it. The 5-foot-long (152.4 cm) bed flooring felt and look long lasting, very little various from any other pickup on the marketplace.

The outside passed the eye test, with the panels appearing well-fitted. The doors sat flush with the surrounding body panels when closed. Obviously, I was taking a look at a model thoroughly developed to be poked and prodded by vehicle press reporters and the public, so the level of fit and surface was not a surprise. The difficulty for Slate will be getting constant construct quality with very little panel spaces, water tight seals, constant door-to-fender shifts, and hood/frunk positioning. The Slate assembly line in Warsaw, Indiana, is still making prototyping perform at this point, Purdy informed me, and the business is wishing to begin on production designs “quickly.”

I hopped inside the taxi when I got the chance, and the door closed with a solid-sounding “thunk.” It’s simple inside, with a little screen for the cockpit console, a phone holder, physical environment controls, and window winders. The seats were both helpful and comfy, and, after moving my seat, I had adequate legroom. While the seat relapsed and forth efficiently, the seatback recline lever on the side didn’t work.

The shopping experience

Beyond the default Blank Slate body design, Slate provides 2 SUV alternatives– the Squareback SUV and Fastback SUV– and an outdoor set. I asked Purdy if they were offering any of the SUVs. “Most clients are choosing the truck setup,” he stated. “And then they’re personalizing their trucks in the Slate Garage.”