Electric Cars

Slate Automotive's electric pickup is nearing its production phase, with initial deliveries anticipated later this year. This vehicle is designed to offer a highly customizable experience, allowing owners to personalize their trucks extensively. However, the initial pricing expectation has shifted, moving from an advertised sub-$20,000 tag to a mid-$20,000 range, with specific reports indicating a starting price of $24,950 before delivery fees. The official pricing and reservation details are expected to be announced soon, marking a significant step for the nascent automaker.

The manufacturing process for the Slate Truck involves a distinctive approach to aesthetics. Each vehicle will arrive from the production line with a base of gray plastic body panels, providing a blank canvas for personalization. Customers will have the opportunity to select from a vast array of wraps, including 54 standard options and an additional 50 with metallic finishes and unique designs, allowing for a truly bespoke exterior. This emphasis on customization aims to integrate owners into the design process, enabling them to tailor their vehicles to their individual tastes and needs.

Peter Faricy, CEO of Slate Automotive, has highlighted the profound importance of customization to the overall ownership journey. The company intends to facilitate the printing of these personalized designs for customers starting next year. A notable aspect of Slate's strategy is the provision for post-purchase modifications, allowing owners to add or alter features even after acquiring their truck. This flexibility extends to significant transformations, such as converting a pickup into an SUV. The system incorporates sensors within components like seats and seat belts to guide proper installation, with an accompanying app providing insights into the complexity of various modifications.

The pricing adjustments for the Slate electric truck represent a deviation from its initial promise. When first introduced, the vehicle was promoted with a starting price below $20,000. However, recent communications indicate a revised starting point in the mid-$20,000 bracket. Sources suggest a precise figure of $24,950, excluding any charges for delivery. Despite this increase, the company maintains its ambition to make the truck available across all 50 states, although the logistical details of achieving such widespread distribution remain to be fully clarified. The full, confirmed pricing structure is scheduled to be disclosed on June 24, when the company will also commence accepting reservations with a deposit of $300. This follows an earlier phase where $50 reservations were capped at 160,000.

The evolution of Slate Automotive's electric truck, from its initial concept to its impending market release, underscores a commitment to customizable electric mobility. Despite a revised price point, the vehicle's unique offering of extensive personalization options and the ability to adapt its form factor post-purchase set it apart. The company's innovative approach to design and ownership aims to create a strong connection between the vehicle and its owner, offering a novel experience in the electric vehicle market.

Porsche has announced its decision to cease sales of the Taycan Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo models in the American market following the 2026 model year. This move reflects a broader trend of dwindling interest in station wagons among US consumers, who have shown a strong preference for SUVs and pickup trucks. The German automaker indicated that these wagon variants constituted only a small fraction of its overall sales in the region, prompting the strategic shift to streamline its product offerings.

The Taycan Cross Turismo, a ruggedized version featuring elevated ground clearance and protective wheel arch cladding, made its debut in 2021, a year after the initial launch of the Taycan sedan. Subsequently, the Sport Turismo joined the lineup in 2022, offered exclusively in the high-performance GTS trim for the US market, initially boasting 590 horsepower, later increasing to 690 horsepower. In contrast, the Cross Turismo was available across a wider spectrum of power outputs, ranging from the 409-hp Taycan 4 to the formidable 764-hp Turbo S. Despite these offerings, sales figures indicated a limited uptake for both wagon styles in the US.

According to Porsche's statement, their product strategy is heavily influenced by customer demand. The company observed that the Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo body styles of the Taycan consistently played a secondary role in the US market. This sustained low demand ultimately led to the decision to phase out these particular model variants. This illustrates the competitive nature of the automotive industry and the necessity for manufacturers to adapt their portfolios to prevailing market preferences.

While the wagon versions are being phased out, Porsche has concurrently introduced significant enhancements to the Taycan sedan for the 2027 model year. Notable updates include the elimination of the previous base battery option, with all Taycan sedans now featuring a standard 97-kWh battery pack. Additionally, Porsche has integrated a simulated shifting mode, designed to mimic an eight-speed gearbox, complete with a virtual rev limiter, controllable via paddle shifters. Deliveries of these updated 2027 Taycan sedans are slated to commence in the autumn, ensuring the core Taycan lineup remains competitive and appealing to its target audience.

The discontinuation of the Taycan Sport Turismo and Cross Turismo highlights the challenging environment for wagon body styles in the North American automotive landscape. Although these electric performance wagons offered a unique blend of practicality and Porsche's renowned driving dynamics, their niche appeal ultimately led to their removal from the US market. Porsche's focus will now concentrate on its more popular sedan variant, which continues to evolve with advanced technological and performance upgrades.