Why a Modular Truck Feels Like a Playground
Most people shopping for an electric vehicle expect to pick a trim, choose a color, and drive off. The Slate truck flips that expectation on its head. It arrives as a bare-bones two-seat pickup in a single shade of slate gray, and then it becomes whatever you want it to be through a catalog of more than 200 add-ons. That freedom is exciting, and it’s also a little dangerous for your wallet, because every click in the configurator quietly adds a few hundred dollars.
To see how far the rabbit hole goes, one enthusiast spent hours building a dream version with a clear theme: a 1970s Ford Bronco spirit reimagined as a modern electric SUV. It’s a fun exercise because it forces you to make choices about style, comfort, and practicality all at once. The result says a lot about what modular vehicles can offer and where the surprises hide.
Starting Point and Style Choices
The base Slate pickup starts at $24,950, but the squareback SUV configuration is a smarter foundation for a retro look. At $29,950 before accessories, it adds a roll cage, extra airbags, and a three-person bench seat, and its boxy shape suits the era far better than a sleek fastback would have in the 1970s. Practicality gets a boost too, with more cargo room and a cost that stays about $2,000 lower than some of the other body options.
From there, the paint and decals do the heavy lifting. A full Michigan Copper wrap, a Throwback body decal, and Creamsicle shoulder stripes create that unmistakable late-’70s feel for a few hundred dollars more. Small touches like “Dots” plates on the lamps and grille cost less than $160 combined, yet they make the front end feel more authentic. Sometimes the cheapest upgrades make the biggest visual impact.
The Real Cost of Customization
Here’s where the fun meets reality. Once you add bumpers, fog lights, fender flares, a spare tire carrier, running boards, a roof rack, and interior upgrades, the bill climbs quickly. Our build lands near $38,000 once the destination fee is included, and that’s before several accessories, including the lift kit, even have a published price. Many of Slate’s add-ons are still listed as “price TBD,” which means the final number could creep toward $40,000.
That’s a reminder that configurators can be deceptive. A vehicle that begins at under $25,000 can end up in the same territory as a well-equipped mainstream SUV. Before you tap “add to cart,” it’s worth tallying every option and comparing the total against other electric vehicles on your shortlist. Also keep in mind that the advertised 205-mile range on the base model is a limiting factor, and heavier builds will likely see even less. Road trips into the wilderness are probably off the table, which matters if your idea of fun involves long drives.
For buyers who want a unique electric truck without going overboard, the smartest move may be starting lean and adding upgrades over time. Whether you’re chasing a retro aesthetic or simply want something no one else on the street has, the Slate shows how modular design can turn an EV into a personal statement. Just go in with your eyes open, because the most tempting part of building your dream truck is also the easiest way to overspend.
