Slate Auto, a US-based automotive startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has taken the web by storm, revealing particulars of its modular micro truck that’s pitched to land at lower than US$20,000 (AUD$30,000).
The corporate plans provide the micro truck at such a compelling value by going again to fundamentals.
Reasonably than the standard smartphone-on-wheels strategy, with many present manufacturers positioning their electrical fashions above inside combustion and even plug-in hybrid equivalents, Slate is flipping the paradigm.
The corporate is eliminating lavish luxurious, over-the-top infotainment and even electrical home windows, as a substitute providing a pared-back base upon which patrons can construct.
A extremely modular “Clean Slate” – which may be reserved (or pre-ordered) for $50 within the US – will allow patrons to construct their very own dream automobile, selecting from a list of greater than 100 equipment, including extra seats, a roll cage, cellphone or pill mounts and extra.
Powering the mannequin can be a single 150kW/264Nm electrical motor, fed by both an ordinary 57.7kWh battery providing a projected vary of 241km, or a bigger 84.3kWh unit providing 386km of vary.
The utmost DC charging charge is 120kW, permitting a 20 to 80 per cent top-up in underneath half-hour.
Weighing in at a considerably modest 1634kg (albeit in Clean Slate trim) it is not going to be gradual, able to reaching 60mph (96km/h) in 8.0-seconds with a top-speed of 144km/h in keeping with Slate.
Precisely how fundamental is the Clean Slate? It has two seats, metal wheels, wrapped (not painted) exterior, hand-crank home windows, and the inside is devoid of screens with simply three HVAC dials adorning the in any other case nearly clean sprint.
Amazingly, the “flat-pack” accent kits are marketed as “do it your self” however the firm additionally suggests they are often fitted by a workshop – hinting on the plug-and-play nature of the modular platform.
Whether or not a two-seat ute, five-seat wagon or drop-top and door-less Wrangler-esque seashore buggy, the Slate seems to be restricted solely by the creativeness of patrons primarily based on photos shared by the corporate.
One factor the straightforward truck doesn’t skimp on is security, scoring energetic and passive options like computerized emergency braking, ahead collision warning, traction and stability management, auto excessive beam, reversing digicam, and eight airbags.
By way of its functionality as a working utility, Slate quotes a most payload of round 635kg and a towing capability of round 453kg, whereas its tray presents a size of 1524mm and quantity of round one cubic metre.
These are spectacular figures given its compact measurement, at simply 4434mm lengthy, 1793mm vast and with a wheelbase of simply 2766mm – making it solely marginally bigger than a Toyota Yaris Cross for perspective.
“The definition of what’s inexpensive is damaged,” stated Slate chief government Chris Barman.
“Slate exists to place the facility again within the palms of consumers who’ve been ignored by the auto business.”
Whether or not the Slate truck will come to Australia is anybody’s guess, however the firm has expressed curiosity in ultimately promoting the micro truck exterior of North America.
Stringent Australian Design Guidelines (ADRs) and a neighborhood urge for food for full-size utes imply this market is unlikely to be Slate’s first export decide, to not point out the actual fact it’s unknown as as to if a right-hand drive mannequin is deliberate.
What we do know is that it represents a return to easy, no-frills motoring.
