Key highlights
- Slate electric pickup truck design patented in India
- Slate Auto is backed by Amazon
- The pickup truck is sold in the US with a modular design
Jeff Bezos-backed electric car startup, called Slate Auto, has patented the design of its electric pickup truck in India. Now, before you speculate a lot, this does not mean that the brand is planning to come to India; rather, it has been done to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of its designs and products, so that no other individual or company can patent the same name.
However, a little daydreaming does not hurt, right? If, by any chance, Slate Auto is planning to enter the Indian market, this pickup truck sounds like the right choice. It is a modular truck that can be converted into an open-top truck, an SUV, a closed body truck, and more due to its simple design, which has been carved out of the plastic panels.
Meanwhile, it features a simple design with conventional pickup styling, round LED headlamps, and flared wheel arches. Similarly, the cabin design is also not very interesting. It features a simple three-spoke steering wheel and a tablet-like screen that controls the basic functions, including the music.
Slate Truck is offered with two battery options in the US: 52.7 kWh and 84.3 kWh. Both are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor. The 52.7 kWh version makes 181 bhp and offers 240 km range. Meanwhile, the 84.3 kWh battery pack offers 201 bhp and delivers up to 390 km.
Officially, Slate Auto has not announced any plans for India. However, it will be interesting to see where this truck will be positioned, if the company decides to bring it here.
Also read: Upcoming Tata Sierra EV confirmed to get an all-wheel drive option
