According to a test drive from southwest DC to Rockville, Maryland, the Slate Auto electric truck prototype offers a promising experience with simple controls and good visibility.
Inside the Slate Prototype Cab
The prototype vehicle featured nearly 6,000 miles (9,656 km) on its small, minimalist digital display, which clearly shows the vehicle speed and backup camera feed. While the cabin layout matches the planned production version, the interior surfaces of the test vehicle consisted largely of hard, shiny black plastic alongside leftover Velcro strips from earlier public camouflage.
Operating the vehicle proved straightforward, starting with mechanical door handles and manual adjustments for both the seat and steering column. Drivers start the truck by inserting the key fob into the dashboard and selecting gears using a column shifter. External mirrors are also adjusted by hand.
Driving Experience and Controls
The two-seat cab provides strong visibility, and despite its compact overall footprint, the truck stands 68 inches (1.7 m) tall to offer a relatively high seating position compared to standard sedans. Climate management relies on three straightforward dashboard dials, while navigation relies on a dedicated dashboard phone mount.
