An innovative electric truck is making waves in the U.S. auto market, capturing significant attention from South Korean consumers as well.
The star of this automotive revolution is Slate, an American EV startup that’s been turning heads since receiving investment from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
With its stripped-down design and jaw-dropping price tag of around 20 million KRW (about 15,000 USD), this vehicle has piqued the interest of small business owners and outdoor enthusiasts in South Korea.
Slate Truck’s main selling points are its exceptional practicality and affordability.
In the U.S., it’s expected to retail for under 27 million KRW (about 20,000 USD) after incentives, making it an attractive alternative to South Korean models like the Porter EV or Bonggo EV.
From truck to SUV: Slate’s game-changing versatility
is its most impressive feature.
Slate goes beyond being a simple two-seat pickup. It employs a ‘flat-pack’ design, allowing owners to convert it into a five-seat SUV complete with roll cage and rear seats using a dedicated kit.
This dream platform can serve as a workhorse during the week and transform into a family-friendly SUV for weekend getaways.
The interior design embraces a refreshingly intuitive, ‘back-to-basics’ approach.
Eschewing trendy touchscreens, Slate opts for manual window cranks and dial-operated AC controls, reducing costs and boosting reliability.
Unlike Tesla’s complex interfaces, Slate’s philosophy allows drivers to simply connect their smartphone or tablet to the dashboard mount for infotainment needs.
Korean battery tech onboard, but out of reach for domestic buyers
Interestingly, Slate’s powerhouse is a battery supplied by South Korea’s SK On. The company has contracted to receive high-nickel batteries from the Korean manufacturer.
The standard 52.7 kWh model offers a range of about 240 km, while the optional 84.3 kWh version extends that to roughly 380 km. It’s compatible with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), enabling 80% charge in just 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, there’s disappointing news for South Korean consumers.
Slate is laser-focused on establishing itself in the U.S. market, with all production slated for its Indiana factory.
Currently, there are no plans for international launches, including South Korea, meaning local consumers may have to wait quite some time to see the Slate in person.
Online reactions have been passionate, with comments ranging from “I’d buy this over a Porter in a heartbeat” to “It’s a shame they’re using SK batteries but not selling in Korea” and “The clean design makes me want to import one myself.”
Editor’s Take:While the concept of a ‘shape-shifting truck’ powered by Korean batteries is undeniably appealing, the lack of plans for a domestic release is disappointing. However, Slate’s 20 million KRW (about 15,000 USD) price point for an EV could be a wake-up call for local manufacturers, potentially reshaping the market.
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