--- title: "Slate Auto Tests Electric Truck Prototype in Local Area" url: https://noti.group/slate-auto-tests-electric-truck-prototype-in-local-area/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-04T15:42:18.000Z updated: 2026-11-04T17:32:27.453Z id: a75b9417-8ac8-417a-bfd6-b483f37ed6f2 source: "Ars Technica https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/11/what-i-learned-driving-the-slate-electric-truck-prototype/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/slate-auto-tests-electric-truck-prototype-in-local-area/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Slate Auto Tests Electric Truck Prototype in Local Area A local startup called Slate Auto has been testing its electric truck prototype in the area, and I was lucky enough to take it for a spin yesterday morning. The 45-minute drive from southwest DC to Rockville, Maryland, gave me a chance to get familiar with the vehicle's features and performance. The prototype had already racked up almost 6,000 miles on its digital display, which also shows speed and activates the backup camera when reversing. Although the cabin layout was representative of the production model, the interior surfaces were not, they featured a lot of hard black plastic and strips of Velcro, likely left over from public testing. Getting comfortable behind the wheel was straightforward, thanks to manual adjustments for the seat and steering column. The door handles had a satisfying mechanical action when opening, reminiscent of older models like the Morris Marina. The interior design is not yet finalized, with the prototype's materials and layout serving as placeholders until production begins. Despite this, the overall feel of the vehicle was solid and well-built. As I drove through the morning traffic, the Slate's performance seemed smooth and effortless, but more on that in part two of our review. The interior design of the Slate electric truck prototype is straightforward and uncomplicated. The key fob slots into a slot on the dashboard, allowing for easy ignition, while a column shifter provides a simple way to select from drive, neutral, park, and reverse modes. Visibility from the two-seat cabin is good, thanks in part to its relatively tall stature of 68 inches (1.7 m), making it feel more like a crossover than a sedan. The high seating position also gives drivers a clear view of the surroundings. The manual window winder on each door still uses three dials to control temperature and airflow, providing intuitive climate controls that are easy to use. A phone mount on the dashboard is available for those who need navigation assistance. The driving experience itself is refreshingly simple, with direct steering and well-assisted handling making it easy to maneuver and park despite its 4,048 lb (1,836 kg) curb weight. The suspension effectively controls body roll, ensuring a stable ride. The De Dion rear axle and coil springs are designed to handle substantial loads, capable of supporting up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) in the cargo bed. This suggests that the Slate is intended for practical use rather than mere aesthetics. The Slate electric truck's acceleration is not its strongest suit, reaching 60 mph in 8 seconds, which is slightly slower than a Chevrolet Bolt. However, the instant torque from its 181 hp motor makes it feel quite responsive and zippy on the road. The vehicle also features some unique regenerative braking characteristics that are worth noting. At low speeds, the Slate's lift-off regenerative braking is more aggressive than many electric vehicles I've driven in the past. This results in a sudden deceleration when lifting off the throttle, bringing the vehicle to a halt earlier than expected. Fortunately, this effect can be calibrated to by adjusting one's driving style after getting accustomed to it. The Slate's driving experience is reminiscent of my time with a Fiat Panda rental car in Italy earlier this summer. The interior and overall design of the Slate seem to prioritize practicality over luxury features. This approach results in a charmingly straightforward and honest vehicle that avoids pretentious claims to high-end status. Driving the Slate is surprisingly similar to navigating a manual transmission-equipped vehicle, such as the Fiat Panda I mentioned earlier. While it's not exactly like stirring a bucket of rocks with a rubber spatula, it shares some of the same utilitarian spirit. Slate's electric truck prototype has shown promise, but the company faces a significant hurdle in scaling up production to meet demand. Mass-producing an electric vehicle requires careful planning and execution, and Slate must navigate this process successfully for its product to gain traction with American drivers. If the company can overcome these challenges, it seems likely that its trucks will be well-received by consumers. --- Source: [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/11/what-i-learned-driving-the-slate-electric-truck-prototype/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/slate-auto-tests-electric-truck-prototype-in-local-area/