I love my 2025 Tesla Model 3, and the fact that my 3-year lease offers the opportunity to change course in a few years. But the question is, what might I change course to, considering the 2025 Model 3 IS the perfect car (today). Well, consider this:
This is the ‘Clean’ Slate. It’s a truck, or SUV, or anything you want it to be actually, though they ALL start out as plain grey pick-up trucks.
Mine will likely be an e-bike hauler, so will stay in pick-up truck configuration with e-bike wheel chocks and tie-downs. Also, it’ll probably have the shorter 150-mile range battery to reduce weight and improve efficiency. This truck uses the NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging standard so will use my existing Tesla Wall Connector.
So what’s the appeal of the stripped-down electric pick-up, beside cost? First, unlimited (and likely affordable) options for DIY customization. Second, parts are easily replaced when damaged. Third, simplicity. Includes hand-crank windows, just like my ’86 Toyota pick-up truck, if you can imagine that?
And another design ‘feature’ is BYOD (bring your own display). Smartphone or tablet – just download the Slate app and mount your device to use as the truck’s primary display. I think this is such a cool idea, and my iPad will finally get the love it deserves.
For a mere $50 you too can reserve a place in line for your very own Clean Slate expected to roll off the factory floor sometime mid- to late-2026. I’ll only be half-way thru my Tesla lease by then so will have to wait a bit, which is fine. Rarely do these projects deliver on time, if ever. Plus, waiting a year or so allows Slate to iron out the first model year gremlins.
Anyway, I need to see what the world looks like in few years and make my decision then. ‘Simple’ might be IN again in 2028. We’ll just need to wait and see…
PS – Here’s an entertaining video if you’re looking for more information about the Slate:
The Slate: America’s $20K Answer to China’s Cheap EVs
Enjoy!