The Slate Truck, which is priced under $20,000, is revolutionizing the American vehicle market in terms of size and features. Unlike other pickup trucks today, the Slate Truck is known for its extremely small size. At first glance, it may seem the size of a Ford Maverick, but in reality, it is more similar in dimensions to a 1984 Toyota truck. At 174.6 inches long, this truck is truly "tiny" compared to modern vehicles.
The most striking aspect of the Slate truck's design is its compact dimensions. It matches the length of a 1984 Toyota SR5 truck, but there are slight differences in wheelbase (108.9 inches), width (70.6 inches), and height (69.3 inches). The Slate gets a 75-inch bed instead of the Toyota's 60-inch bed length, but the Slate stands taller overall. Modern features, such as its front trunk, set it apart from the Toyotas of yesteryear.
The smallest pickup truck on the market, the Ford Maverick, is about 200 inches long, but the Slate truck is significantly shorter. However, the Slate's 245/65R17 tires are larger than the 1984 Toyota's 195/75R14 tires, giving it a hint of modern design. This smaller size is a result of the packaging efficiency of electric vehicles, which eliminates the space constraints of internal combustion engines.
This bold approach by Slate Auto reflects a long-standing desire among consumers for smaller, simpler pickup trucks. For years, automotive enthusiasts have been asking for the simplicity and practicality of old-fashioned trucks to be brought back. The Slate Truck is a modern, electric solution to this need, combining functionality and style even in a smaller size.
This new electric pickup could start a new discussion in the automotive market. While small-sized vehicles have the fuel efficiency and ease of urban use, Slate’s effort to provide the comfort and technology needed by modern consumers is impressive. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how the Slate Truck will perform in the market and whether it will encourage other manufacturers to consider similar small vehicles.