Continuing on the theme of microvans appearing in the US in the form of pickups, this cheap, modular, and relatively tiny $20k pickup from Slate Trucks is inspired. Not shipping with a radio or navigation system is brave, but their reasoning is solid. I’m already using my phone for navigation and music - I just need a speaker.
The lack of (default) touch interfaces is also refreshing. Finally somebody making cars that understands that the current wave of “make everything a touchscreen” is not just bad design, it’s dangerous and negligent.
In general, Slate looks like they’re attacking the problem of car manufacturing with a level of taste, creativity, and good sense that we haven’t seen in the US in a long time. And an EV company going straight to the budget model instead of targeting the ultra high-end luxury market is also refreshing. Here’s hoping they succeed.
c/o The Verge