The Jeff Bezos-backed startup finally revealed more pricing details for its debut EV, including a $29,950 starting price for the SUV variant, and boosted the base range to 205 miles.
“Very modular” sounds like a bad thing to me, if the essential part’s and pieces that make it “go” don’t meet the minimum expectations of a gas powered vehicle in the same price range (plus 20%) then it’s DOA. If the platform is weak then adding stuff is only going to make it worse.
Sort of like buying a 2010 Ford Ranger 4cyl 2wd then putting side steps, spot lights, aftermarket heated seats, aftermarket stereo, lift spacers, and fat tires. But at the end of the day, you’re still driving a piece of crap.
I’m not recommending a GM LSX connected to a generator, and I’m not recommending a Honda Eu22i either. Something purpose built to backup the battery that can provide 7kW/h to the battery, just to top it up as necessary.
The Slate is designed to be an EV from the ground up.
(We don’t know how well designed, until they are actually available). They are also designed to be customised to suit the use case. Adding accessories will compromise on other aspects of the vehicle; changing it into a wagon with rear seats means you won’t be able to carry large items, but you will be able to carry a couple extra passengers.
“Very modular” sounds like a bad thing to me, if the essential part’s and pieces that make it “go” don’t meet the minimum expectations of a gas powered vehicle in the same price range (plus 20%) then it’s DOA. If the platform is weak then adding stuff is only going to make it worse.
Sort of like buying a 2010 Ford Ranger 4cyl 2wd then putting side steps, spot lights, aftermarket heated seats, aftermarket stereo, lift spacers, and fat tires. But at the end of the day, you’re still driving a piece of crap.
If the base parts aren’t great then why bother.
I’m not recommending a GM LSX connected to a generator, and I’m not recommending a Honda Eu22i either. Something purpose built to backup the battery that can provide 7kW/h to the battery, just to top it up as necessary.
The Slate is designed to be an EV from the ground up. (We don’t know how well designed, until they are actually available). They are also designed to be customised to suit the use case. Adding accessories will compromise on other aspects of the vehicle; changing it into a wagon with rear seats means you won’t be able to carry large items, but you will be able to carry a couple extra passengers.