Slate: The Most Exciting Vehicle I've Ever Seen
Slate is a sub-$20k truck built around right-to-repair, customizable panels, and BYO tech for the dashboard. Here's why it's the truck I've been waiting for.
Matt GardnerKept at Annapolis, Maryland 
If you’ve been following me, you know how much I love the Framework computer1—a computer you can fully customize, is completely end-user repairable, and a lot of fun.
The market for vehicles is insane. It’s almost impossible to find a sub $20,000 vehicle today that’s not a salvage title, and even many of those are over $20k! People want something inexpensive and something customizable. And one of my biggest pet peeves with vehicles today is the software. Most of the software in vehicles today is proprietary and updates are hard to come by. This is where Slate fits in.
Slate is a sub $20k truck that’s designed to be customized. You can use it as a truck, convert it to a 5 passenger SUV, update panels, colors, and so much more. Just like the framework computer I have, you can customize it to your liking. They’re even open sourcing designs to allow you to design your own parts and 3d print them—very cool!
You use your existing tech as a screen. Your smart phone, tablet, or whatever. It comes with roll up windows that you can replace—at home— with power windows with a kit Slate is making. The side panels screw off so you can replace them or wrap them yourself. You can even put your own name on the back of the truck!
Plus, it uses the NACS connector — the same connector teslas use so there’s a massive list of places to charge.
Right to Repair
The Right to Repair Movement has taken off. Framework computer has been a big supporter of this. If you buy something, you should be able to fix it yourself, or even customize it. Slate follows this mantra, too.
Personalization
There are so many options to personalize this truck.
- Turn it into an SUV by adding back seats and a cap
- Change the running lights cover to be any logo you want, such as your sports team or your business logo
- Change the color by wrapping it with pre-cut wraps from the factory
- Change out panels with a screw driver
- Add speakers
- And my favorite: use your own device for navigation and controls
With the average vehicle costing $48,0392, the Slate truck is under $20k. This is an exciting vehicle in an over priced market.
Reserve
For $50 you can reserve one now over at https://slate.auto
-Matt