【2016 Archives】

A few weeks ago a small016 Archives electric truck went viral. Apparently that virality has converted into real interest from consumers.

EV start-up Slate told TechCrunch it has crossed 100,000 reservations just a couple weeks after it unveiled its low-cost, small truck. It seems people are interested in low-cost EVs, even as lots of Americans purposefully migrate away from Elon Musk's Tesla.

“We are truly humbled by America’s response to Slate’s brand launch and the launch of our truck,” Slate’s chief commercial officer Jeremy Snyder told TechCrunch. “We are excited for what the future holds.”

Now, a big caveat: A reservation is not a commitment to actually purchase the truck once it becomes available. It's basically a $50 deposit to reserve a spot in line to one day buy a Slate truck. Converting those reservations into purchases is a big ask and far from guaranteed.

The truck does seem neat and is certainly different than other American vehicles. As Mashable's Timothy Beck Worth wrote the (as low as) $20K, "made-in-America electric truck is the opposite of a Cybertruck." It's not flashy, with manual, crank windows and a basic, clean design. For instance, it features a universal device holder instead of a built-in, massive screen like a Tesla. Whereas the Cybertruck is a rickety, cyberpunk fever dream, the Slate truck seems to position itself as a practical, customizable vehicle.

Deliveries for Slate trucks are scheduled to begin in late 2026.

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