• burble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    1 day ago

    Saved you a click:

    Slate Auto will retrofit an existing 1.4 million square foot factory in Warsaw, Indiana.

  • ChillPenguin@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    On one hand, 20k for base model simplistic, non monstrosity of a truck? On the other hand, backed by bezos.

    Fuck…

    • edric@lemm.ee
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      1 day ago

      I personally would call it the bare model rather than base model, because it’s literally bare. I think most people will end up spending minimum 25k to get it on par with base models of other regular vehicles.

      • Cort@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        I’m no marketing guru, but the base model needs to be the blank slate. The next model up could be the clean slate

      • errer@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        Yeah I’m really curious to see the add-on prices. 150 miles of range sux, how much is the extended battery? How about power windows? A sound system? Easily can see it being $40k with those 3 things.

        • rbn@sopuli.xyz
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          1 day ago

          I think personally I’d be fine using a bluetooth box and I’m pretty sure that there could be cheap aftermarket solutions for the windows. With the battery I agree. And yeah Bezos isn’t really better than Musk.

          • errer@lemmy.world
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            1 day ago

            Maybe I can be convinced otherwise but I don’t see how a Bluetooth box could beat surround sound of a car with a decent sound system. Particularly at freeway speeds when road noise gets loud.

            • rbn@sopuli.xyz
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              1 day ago

              At home I use a couple of Harman Kardon Onyx speakers. You can couple two of them to have an even better surround experience but already one of them sounds better than the sound systems I experienced in VW, Hyundai, Ford, Tesla and Smart during the last couple of years. It may look a bit ugly to have bluetooth speakers laying around with charging cables etc. but sound-wise I’d see absolutely no problem.

              In general, I doubt that the majority of car buyers have significant audiophile requirements. Of course, most of them want to listen to music or audiobooks but a ‘good enough’ solution should be fine for most if it saves you hundreds or thousands of bucks.

              • swab148@startrek.website
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                23 hours ago

                Also, don’t forget that in the event of a crash, those Bluetooth speakers would become Bluetooth missiles.

    • NaibofTabr@infosec.pub
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      1 day ago

      This thing has the equivalent towing capacity of a Chevy Impala. There are utility carts with more power.

      I don’t think a 4x4 will make any sense without a complete redesign of the drive system.

      It’s not really a truck, it’s a re-bodied golf kart.

      • treadful@lemmy.zip
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        1 day ago

        I’m not looking for a thing for towing. Nobody is looking at this thing thinking they’re going to be towing a boat to the lake twice a year.

        I’m looking for a small pickup that’s useful in the winter and mild off-pavement capabilities.

        Shit, FWD might even work.

        • NaibofTabr@infosec.pub
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          1 day ago

          No, of course, you were talking about 4x4.

          My point isn’t about towing per se, but what the towing capacity tells you about the power output of the motor - which is relevant to 4x4 activities. You aren’t going to be pushing through mud or soft sand in this thing, the motor will stall out.

          • piccolo@sh.itjust.works
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            23 hours ago

            The motor is 200hp. If they introduce a 4wd model, most likely it will be a dual motor, effectively doubling the power. Even with a single motor, its more power than even a 1990 Toyota 4x4 with a v6.

            Its not just about power that effects towing capacity, but the frame strength, suspension, the brake system, power train (transmission and axles), etc. The thing that hurts the towing capacity for the slate is that being an EV, its already carrying an additional 1,000 lbs from the battery.

          • Omgpwnies@lemmy.world
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            20 hours ago

            Towing capability is decided by frame and braking capacity far more than engine power. A Toyota Yaris is more than capable of pulling a boat at highway speeds, but it’s too small and it’s brakes are too weak to control it.

      • treadful@lemmy.zip
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        1 day ago

        They have a couple SUV add-ons that would probably fit your use case. Pretty neat modular design.