
The Slate truck is set to become Canada's most affordable electric vehicle, with a starting price of around $33,000 CAD before destination and fees, factoring in the current exchange rate. Although the exact Canadian pricing has not been announced, it is expected to be competitive with other affordable electric vehicles in the market. When deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of this year, Canadians will have the opportunity to experience the country's cheapest pickup truck. The Slate truck will be available in Canada, although the exact launch date and pricing details are still to be confirmed.
In comparison to the refreshed Chevy Bolt and the latest-generation Nissan Leaf, two of the most affordable electric cars in Canada, the Slate truck offers a unique value proposition. The Bolt and Leaf start at around $38,000 CAD and $37,000 CAD, respectively, and offer a range of features and capabilities. The Slate truck, on the other hand, will be eligible for the Canadian government's iZEV incentive program, which offers a rebate of up to $5,000 for eligible electric vehicles. Additionally, some provinces, such as British Columbia and Quebec, offer their own rebates and incentives for electric vehicle purchases.
The Nissan Leaf comes out on top in terms of range, with an estimated 303 miles from a 75 kWh battery. The Chevy Bolt follows closely, with an estimated 262 miles from a 65 kWh battery. The Slate truck, with its 65 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offers an estimated 205 miles of range. However, it's worth noting that the Slate truck's range may vary depending on the body style and configuration chosen. All three vehicles come with the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, giving owners access to over 27,500 Tesla Superchargers across Canada. CCS stalls are also accessible via an adapter on all three vehicles.
The Slate truck takes around 8.0 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, with 181 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque from a rear-mounted motor. In comparison, the Leaf and Bolt offer more powerful and quicker acceleration, with 214 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, and 210 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, respectively. The Slate truck's interior is intentionally stripped-back, with cloth seats, air conditioning and heating, and manual crank windows. However, it does come with a range of accessories and customization options, including over 200 accessories and more than 30 starter packs.
The Slate truck comes with a range of standard safety features, including traction control, airbags, a rear camera, and forward collision warning. It also offers a frunk and a five-foot bed, with 7.0 and 35.1 cubic feet of cargo volume, respectively. In comparison, the base Bolt and Leaf arrive better equipped out of the factory, with features like automatic climate control, USB ports, and standard speakers. The Slate truck's unique value proposition and customizability options make it an attractive option for Canadians looking for an affordable and versatile electric vehicle.