New basic EV truck

[ning]

Having suitable anchor points on a composite is what I am wondering…

As part of the SUV conversion for rear passengers, they include a roll bar (since the pickup doesn't provide rollover protection in the back.
If the chassis provides solid mounting locations for a roll bar, I'd imagine it's solid enough to allow you to bolt a mere rack to it.

 

[ruffdog]

I watched a video on YouTube that showed how much room was under the hood for lockable storage. I like the idea of a truck with a trunk. It also said that the bed was 4ft x 5ft. It's really not much smaller then what everyone has with a four door half ton truck. With the tailgate down, it should be able to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood or sheetrock without any issues.

It looks like the frunk has enough room for our groceries under the hood. That would be handy to unload in the garage too.

 

[ruffdog]

As part of the SUV conversion for rear passengers, they include a roll bar (since the pickup doesn't provide rollover protection in the back.
If the chassis provides solid mounting locations for a roll bar, I'd imagine it's solid enough to allow you to bolt a mere rack to it.

That substantial roll bar also encompasses the side curtain airbags (and shoulder seat belts) that are mandated for rear passengers. It needs to be sturdy for that purpose. I'm sure the 2nd row seating package will cost a pretty penny as it must pass all mandates.

 

[ning]

That substantial roll bar also encompasses the side airbags that are mandated for rear passengers. It needs to be sturdy for that purpose. I'm sure the 2nd row seating package will cost a pretty penny as it must pass all mandates.

I'm sure there will be plenty of sketchy home-grown SUV conversions bolted on with no safety aspects...
(then again, many RVs aren't subject to rollover testing and people are carried in them all the time)

 

[Catalyst]

I feel like they went a bit to 10. No radio, no creature comforts. Why can't we just go back to 80's/90's cars that were reliable and cheap. In a 20k car, they can't squeeze in a basic AM/FM radio. Some areas have emergency msgs that you need to tune to. All for lowering costs, but this feels a little silly.

 

[ruffdog]

I feel like they went a bit to 10. No radio, no creature comforts. Why can't we just go back to 80's/90's cars that were reliable and cheap. In a 20k car, they can't squeeze in a basic AM/FM radio. Some areas have emergency msgs that you need to tune to. All for lowering costs, but this feels a little silly.

Many people use their smart phones to get their music etc. You can get the optional speakers that are made to sync to the phone through Bluetooth and an APP. There is a handy phone holder that allows the driver to see the screen while the Slate/phone is synced up.

 

[Catalyst]

Many people use their smart phones to get their music etc. You can get the optional speakers that are made to sync to the phone through Bluetooth and an APP. There is a handy phone holder that allows the driver to see the screen while the Slate/phone is synced up.

I own some of those and they work well. However, I don't think that usage in a vehicle is any better than wearing headphones, because in the event of an accident, external speakers essentially become projectiles. I am sure you'll see some aftermarket mounting options like for side by sides, but I just think it was a major oversight to go all the way to 10 and skip the radio and power windows - and I grew up with hand crank windows and even opted for them on one of my work trucks.

 

[ruffdog]

I own some of those and they work well. However, I don't think that usage in a vehicle is any better than wearing headphones, because in the event of an accident, external speakers essentially become projectiles. I am sure you'll see some aftermarket mounting options like for side by sides, but I just think it was a major oversight to go all the way to 10 and skip the radio and power windows - and I grew up with hand crank windows and even opted for them on one of my work trucks.

Did you see the speakers that mount in the dash (or elsewhere?) that are shown in the video? Edit

About 6:15 in the video.

 

[Catalyst]

Did you see the speakers that mount in the dash that are listed under options for the Slate?

Nope - I was just going off the original article. I wonder if there will be a radio option then, or if you'll be stuck to bluetooth.

 

[EddieWalker]

I like that it doesn't come with anything. I can buy a $20 radio for if I want or spend a lot more for better quality. The fact that they have designed it to be DIY makes me think that adding things like a radio will be pretty easy. But I also like the idea of using my phone for the radio. I've never done that before, and I'm guessing there is an app for that. We regularly listen to Pandora on one of our phones and a Bluetooth speaker that's not very big but sounds great. Probably the only thing that I think I really want added to it is electric windows. Being able to roll down the passenger side window while driving to get a fly to leave is a must have!!!!