BellsTheorem
3024
35
15
Overprice ugly physical hazard vs cheep sleek fully customizable
https://www.slate.auto/en
May 25, 2025 1:51 AM
BellsTheorem
3024
35
15
Overprice ugly physical hazard vs cheep sleek fully customizable
https://www.slate.auto/en
LordoftheVerginas
https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTY1YjkxZmJlbHM0eThram9kaG55ODcwN21hODR0cmFkaGxnM2NhcWxrMXB2YmlieCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/STfLOU6iRBRunMciZv/giphy.mp4
Davedavedavedavedave
floobynooby
The future of ev is public transportation.
BellsTheorem
In the US? The distant future maybe.
LeftRightThere
I learned about alpha motor cars today and I’m listening
GreaseMonkeyOfLove
I’m hoping it’s a success, small trucks are desperately needed, if they’re going to ban imported Kei trucks, we have to make our own.
BellsTheorem
Small, affordable, customizable, not brickable with a single API request from the manufacturer.
0RumRunner
I'm really hoping it's successful enough to inspire more small truck options in the near future.
animatronicChristmasChickens
The future of emotional vampires?
BellsTheorem
You a hater?
Micro2112
Slate is backed by bezos, so still not great
WickedSludge
So is Rivian... just sayin'
BellsTheorem
Not nearly as bad as Tesla with Elon trying to dismantle democracy and government. But yes I do wish Bezos didn't have his fingers on it.
XEtAl
Yes, fuck Bezos, but there aren't many great and affordable EVs, and this being a much cheaper option is probably better for us in that it will likely drive EV prices down without subsidization, cause no fucking way in hell is this admin going to extend tax credits for EVs that aren't Teslas; we NEED cheaper options.
BellsTheorem
Exactly.
ArcUlfr
The second example doesn't look particularly good in terms of aerodynamics, either. Personally, I would prefer a wagon: good cargo area, hatch, small cross section for lower drag.
BellsTheorem
Since I don't do a lot of high speed highway driving, I'm more concerned about cost and appearance. It's cheep, compact and cute. Kind of reminds me a little of the Mini.
EloPrime
I hope they do well because the concept is awesome but since it’s a bezos backed project they aren’t the highest hopes.
BellsTheorem
I hope he doesn't ruin it, but I think he probably is backing it to fuck with Musk. But if it is a good vehicle I'm okay with it.
WickedSludge
So is Rivian... just sayin'
Exyr
The problem with slate imo is that ot seems to based off of the kei truck but electric. And for some reason the kei truck illegal in the US and this isnt.
BellsTheorem
The kei truck is illegal in the US because it was designed specifically for Japanese roads and doesn't meet safety standards for US highways. There was not intended market in the US. Also besides being a gas vehicle, it also doesn't look anything like the Slate and it isn't customizable. So I really don't see the comparison at all.
Exyr
Then you aren't looking at the same base slate vehicle I am.
BellsTheorem
How are they the same?
Exyr
Looks the same to me. Just a rip off of a kei truck. But it's bezos so it's okay.
BellsTheorem
Yeah they both have 4 wheels. I see it now. lol
ArcUlfr
This reasoning has gaping holes in it. For one thing, you can import plenty of cars that are 25+ years old with no issues, and I promise you not a single goddamn one meets modern safety standards. Moreover, there are newer cars that you can have here that don't meet the same safety standards that most modern cars are held to: the Ariel Atom, Polaris Slingshot, Morgan 3-Wheeler, etc.
BellsTheorem
I totally agree. Exyr is the one who said that the Kei truck was illegal in the US "for some reason". I am just explaining why they are not road legal in the US. I didn't say you couldn't import them or any other cars. I think you meant to respond to Exyr.
ArcUlfr
No, I meant to respond to you: there are tons of cars that you can import into the US which were never sold here, and which do not meet safety standards. The idea that the kei truck is banned solely because of safety standards doesn't make sense; if that were the case, all of those other cars would also be banned. They are not.
BellsTheorem
I can't find anything on an import ban for the Kei. If they are then that's dumb, but its irrelevant to Exyr's claim that the Slate is somehow a ripoff of the Kei truck. All I said was that they weren't street legal in the US which they are not. That's a factual statement. I didn't claim you could or couldn't import it.