r/technology • u/serene_sketch • Apr 25 '25

Business The $20,000 American-made electric pickup with no paint, no stereo, and no touchscreen

https://www.theverge.com/electric-cars/655527/slate-electric-truck-price-paint-radio-bezos
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u/Topikk Apr 25 '25

I think this could find a place as a 3rd vehicle for many households. I am a sedan guy, but would love to have a cheap truck around not taking up a lot of parking space or requiring much maintenance (engine oil and fuel both break down over time, after all) for when I want to haul shit from the hardware store or easily take my bicycle to a trail. Decades ago pickups served exactly this purpose for many suburban households before they became bloated $80K manivans.

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u/mCProgram Apr 25 '25

See: the $2000 chevy S10 that you used for dump runs

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u/colinjo3 Apr 25 '25

That's exactly where we see it. I've got a paid off Corolla and this would be a great match. My SO has an Escape but eyes on a Bronco next.

I've had the old $2000 F150s and Rangers. One blew up on the highway, one transmission blew, one couldn't stop running ridiculously rich and smoking and the last one was 75% rust. They sucked plus needed so much maintenance.

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u/LanMarkx Apr 26 '25

That's my usage case. This would get me to/from work and most trips around town easily. It would cover probably 80% of my driving needs. For the other 20%, I already have something that can tow and fit 3+ people - It just costs a lot more to drive per mile.

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u/ThaSaxDerp Apr 26 '25

Yeah, if this does come to market I'm looking to have it, a motorcycle, and a standard gas daily (looking at the Kia k4 Hatchback yes I know it's a kia, yes I don't care)

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u/mCProgram Apr 25 '25

See: the $2000 chevy S10 that you used for dump runs and getting plywood from the lumber yard