Slate introduced its new affordable electric truck to the world. The vehicle can be converted into a small five-seater SUV, so it can be used to haul cargo or people. Judging by the feedback from customers during Slate’s first livestream, the company indicated that there was a lot of interest in the truck’s cargo capacity. The vehicle, which is scheduled to begin production in late 2026, has the potential to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
One of the most notable features of Slate’s new electric truck is its ability to carry a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood. With a payload capacity of 1,433 pounds, the truck’s bed is 50.0 inches wide, which is enough to accommodate 4-foot-wide pieces of lumber. However, the bed is only 5 feet (60 inches) long, which is not enough to fully support an 8-foot-long sheet of plywood. Lowering the tailgate increases the bed length to 6.8 feet, but still leaves a foot of overhang. While this is common on most modern trucks, customers will still need to secure cargo.
When it comes to cargo loading, Slate’s truck has some limitations. The distance between the wheel wells is only 42.9 inches, which is not enough to support a 4x8 sheet of plywood laid flat. As a result, the plywood has to sit in the wheel wells, which can make things like thin quarter-inch plywood unstable. However, this setup won’t be a big problem for thicker plywood sheets. Compared to another truck, the Ford Maverick, the Slate’s bed is slightly larger, but the Maverick’s wheel arches and support beams provide more stability for cargo.
Another attraction of Slate’s electric truck is its extra storage capacity. The space available in the frunk (front storage area) allows customers to carry extra items, even when the bed is filled with lumber for DIY projects. For example, even a 12-pack of drinks can be easily stored in the frunk. This versatility makes Slate’s truck attractive to customers looking for practicality and convenience.
Overall, Slate’s new electric truck offers strong cargo capacity and versatility for its size. However, there are some limitations to cargo loading, especially for materials like thin plywood, which customers should be aware of. When production begins in 2026, customers will have the opportunity to test the truck’s real-world performance. Slate’s truck could become an option in the electric vehicle market that combines practicality and affordability.