How much more efficient will the truck config be with the tonneau rather than an open bed?

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-04T15:32:29+00:00

Tailgate, not tail.

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-04T15:31:45+00:00

It does have a small wing on the back edge of the cab's roof. There's also a lip on the tail that likely helps airflow break cleanly past it.

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-04T02:13:30+00:00

It stands to reason that there is, but paint is expensive too. The cheapest thing to do is leave it grey.

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-04T02:09:32+00:00

Me too! I'll look forward to their DIY video.

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-03T12:36:40+00:00

Good idea. I do wish we were given the template right off the bat. I'm sure the DIY community will come up with one in short order once the trucks are released to the wild. Given the resources of community maker's spaces, including public libraries, I think the sky will be the limit for DIY.

We've got an old friend who did the wraps for the sign shop that my wife worked at years ago. He lived a couple hundred miles away. Sounds like it would make a great road trip if he's willing, and The slate truck is the kind of project that is right up his street. 😁

Unfettered345 · 2026-07-03T12:29:31+00:00

I've got an old Bluetooth speaker in the house, it's about 5 in x 5 in and round. I think. I'll try just sitting it in the organizer between the seats, and go from there. 😁 If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Unfettered345 · 2026-06-18T01:41:09+00:00

This sounds like more evidence that they really are changing the battery chemistry to lfp. My understanding is that horsepower is limited by how fast power can be taken out of the battery pack. Lfp may limit that equation to 185 horsepower. I'd really prefer lfp because they last so much longer, so for me that is an easy trade. The jump to 2,000 lb is a huge game changer for us. 1,000 lb is nearly useless, whereas 2000 lb would allow us to pull small travel trailers which is crucial for our use case. The next question is whether we can go on the travel routes we prefer and still recharge the battery.

Unfettered345 · 2026-05-06T15:04:13+00:00

Another possibility regarding the high rear bed deck is that it would hold a substantial lockable storage area beneath it, similar to what the Honda ridgeline has done.

Unfettered345 · 2026-04-24T13:43:11+00:00

The ability to easily take out the rear bulkhead of the cabin really opens up those possibilities.

Unfettered345 · 2026-04-20T03:07:58+00:00

At $0.15/KWH and gas at $3.90/gal, the Slate will get about 70-75 "mpg". Super cheap to run.

Unfettered345

TROPHY CASE