Slate Truck Prototype First Look: A Simple Pickup With a 5-Foot Bed

We hoped to compare at least two Slate trucks for build quality, panel gaps, window operation, and chassis noises. Instead, only one truck was on display—and it was far from a mass-produced model. The black Slate truck was an older, hand-built prototype covered in a black wrap; the production truck’s base color is gray.

The bed and passenger side were sealed off, but the driver’s door was open, allowing shoppers to climb inside and examine the vehicle.

Slate truck size and bed impressions

The Slate truck was larger than expected, appearing roughly the same size as a Hyundai Santa Cruz. Its tailgate was lowered, and pushing it closed produced a solid, secure feel. The 5-foot-long (152.4 cm) bed floor looked and felt durable, with no obvious difference from the beds in other pickups on the market.

I really wanted to jump on the tailgate. But I couldn’t even sit down.

Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

I really wanted to jump on the tailgate. But I couldn’t even sit down.
Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

Roll down the windows the old-fashioned way.

Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

Roll down the windows the old-fashioned way.
Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

An early prototype on display in the showroom.

Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

An early prototype on display in the showroom.
Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

Roll down the windows the old-fashioned way.
Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

An early prototype on display in the showroom.
Eric Bungeman/Ars Technica

Prototype build quality looks promising, but production remains untested

The Slate truck passed a visual inspection, and the body panels appeared to be installed well. With the door closed, it sat flush with the surrounding panels. However, this was a carefully constructed prototype designed to be examined by automotive journalists and the public, so its fit and finish was not unexpected.

Slate’s larger challenge will be delivering consistent build quality at production scale. That includes minimizing panel gaps, maintaining watertight seals, creating consistent door-to-fender transitions, and keeping the hood aligned with the flanks.

Purdy said the Slate assembly line in Warsaw, Indiana, is still building prototypes. The company hopes to begin producing production models “very soon.”

Slate truck interior: Simple controls and plenty of legroom

I climbed into the cab when I had the chance. The door closed with a solid thud, but the backrest-recline lever on the side of the seat no longer worked.

The interior is deliberately spartan. It includes a small instrument-panel screen, a cellphone holder, physical climate controls, and a manual window crank. The seats were supportive and comfortable, and there was plenty of legroom after adjusting them. The seat moved smoothly forward and backward.

Slate truck customization and SUV options

In addition to the default blank Slate body style, the company offers two SUV configurations—a squareback SUV and a fastback SUV—as well as an open-air kit.

When asked whether he sold SUVs, Purdy said, “Most customers use a truck configuration,” adding that customers customize their trucks at Slate Garage.