Consumer Corner
Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck: The Battle for the Affordable Electric Pickup
Ford Fathom vs Slate Truck: Compare price, features, range and practicality as two affordable electric pickups prepare to battle for buyers.
For years, one of the biggest complaints about electric vehicles has been simple: they cost too much.
Electric pickup trucks have made that problem even more obvious, with many models carrying prices that can quickly climb well beyond what an average truck buyer might want to spend.
Then came Slate Auto, promising something radically different — a small, simple electric pickup with a starting price below $25,000 before destination charges.
Now Ford is entering the conversation.
Meet the Ford Fathom, an upcoming midsize electric pickup expected to start at just $28,350 before destination charges.
And suddenly, the affordable electric truck market is getting very interesting.
What Is the Ford Fathom?
The Fathom is more than another electric Ford.
It’s the first production vehicle based on Ford’s new Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, an architecture designed specifically to reduce the cost and complexity of building EVs.
Ford plans to build the Fathom at its extensively retooled Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with production scheduled to begin in 2027.
The company says the standard-range Fathom will carry a starting MSRP of $28,350, before destination charges. Preorders are expected to begin in early 2027.
That puts Ford remarkably close to one of the most talked-about inexpensive EVs in America: the Slate Truck.
Remember the Slate Truck?
We previously covered the Slate Truck because its concept is refreshingly simple.
Instead of building an expensive truck loaded with equipment and then trying to make it cheaper, Slate essentially started with the minimum necessary to make a useful electric pickup.
The result is an intentionally basic two-seat truck.
Slate’s latest specifications list a 65-kWh LFP battery, rear-wheel drive, an estimated 205 miles of range, a 5-foot bed, 7-cubic-foot front trunk, maximum payload of 1,550 pounds and maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Slate emphasizes that these remain manufacturer estimates because the truck is still in preproduction.
The Slate’s philosophy could almost be summarized this way:
Here’s the truck. Add what you want.
That’s part of its appeal.
But Ford has apparently decided there is another way to build an inexpensive electric pickup.
Ford’s Approach: Give Buyers More From the Beginning
This may be the most important difference between the two trucks.
The Slate is deliberately minimalist.
The Fathom is being designed to feel more like the modern vehicle consumers already expect.
Ford says the Fathom will seat five people and offer features including a large high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, digital-key capability and bidirectional power.
Every Fathom will also be BlueCruise-capable, although use of Ford’s hands-free highway-driving technology may require activation or a subscription depending on how Ford ultimately packages the service.
That creates a fascinating comparison.
The Slate asks:
How much equipment can we remove to make an EV affordable?
Ford appears to be asking:
How can we manufacture an EV differently so we don’t have to remove as much?
Those are two very different solutions to the same problem.
Ford Is Reinventing the Assembly Line, Too
Perhaps the most interesting part of the Fathom isn’t the truck itself.
It’s how Ford intends to build it.
Ford is introducing what it calls an “assembly tree” at its Louisville factory.
Rather than moving an entire vehicle through a conventional linear assembly process, major portions of the Fathom can be constructed separately before being brought together.
Ford is also using large castings and other manufacturing changes intended to reduce complexity and production time.
The company says the approach could improve manufacturing efficiency by approximately 15 percent.
In other words, Ford isn’t simply trying to build a cheaper electric truck.
It’s trying to develop a cheaper way of building electric vehicles.
If it works, the implications could extend well beyond the Fathom.
Ford Fathom vs. Slate Truck
Here’s where the matchup currently stands:Feature Ford Fathom Slate Truck Vehicle Midsize EV pickup Compact EV pickup Starting MSRP $28,350 before destination Under $25,000 before destination Seating 5 2 in pickup configuration Drive Details pending Rear-wheel drive Battery Standard-range version confirmed; capacity TBD 65-kWh LFP Estimated range Not yet announced 205 miles* Bed Yes; dimensions TBD 60.5 inches Frunk Yes 7 cu. ft. Payload TBD Up to 1,550 lb. Towing TBD Up to 2,000 lb. Touchscreen Yes Minimalist device-based approach Power windows Expected as conventional equipment Manual in base configuration BlueCruise capability Yes No Bidirectional power Yes Not comparable at present Production 2027 Preproduction/launch phase
*Slate’s range figure is a manufacturer estimate approximating the EPA test cycle and is not yet an official EPA range rating.
Slate Still Has an Important Advantage
None of this necessarily makes the Slate irrelevant.
In fact, Slate’s simplicity could become its greatest selling point.
Some buyers don’t want increasingly complicated vehicles dominated by giant screens, software subscriptions and electronic features.
They want something closer to the small pickups Americans could buy decades ago:
simple, useful and relatively inexpensive.
Slate also places customization at the center of the ownership experience. Its pickup can effectively serve as a blank canvas for owners who want to configure the vehicle around their needs.
For a small business, delivery operation, hobbyist or someone who simply wants a basic runabout with a pickup bed, that could be extremely attractive.
Ford is selling an affordable modern EV.
Slate is selling an affordable platform you make your own.
But Ford Has One Enormous Advantage
Ford is Ford.
That matters.
Slate is attempting one of the hardest things imaginable in the automotive industry: launching a new automaker while simultaneously designing, manufacturing, selling and supporting an entirely new vehicle.
Ford already has factories, suppliers, dealerships, service departments, financing operations and parts-distribution networks throughout the country.
That doesn’t guarantee the Fathom will succeed.
But it eliminates many of the uncertainties consumers face when buying a vehicle from a startup.
And when the difference between two vehicles could amount to only a few thousand dollars, that established infrastructure becomes an important part of the purchasing decision.
The Biggest Question Is Still Range
There’s one specification we desperately need before declaring a winner:
How far will the Ford Fathom travel on a charge?
Slate currently estimates approximately 205 miles from its 65-kWh battery.
Ford has confirmed that the $28,350 Fathom will use a standard-range battery, with a longer-range version expected, but the company hasn’t yet revealed official range figures.
If Ford can deliver competitive range while keeping the Fathom around the promised $30,000 threshold, it could become one of the most consequential affordable EV introductions in years.
If the base truck’s range is significantly lower, however, Slate’s proposition starts looking considerably stronger.
The Affordable Truck May Be Making a Comeback
Perhaps the most encouraging part of the Fathom-versus-Slate story has nothing to do with which company wins.
It’s the fact that manufacturers are once again talking seriously about affordable trucks.
Pickup trucks have become larger, more luxurious and substantially more expensive over the past several decades.
Slate went in the opposite direction by asking how little truck someone actually needs.
Ford is now asking whether advanced manufacturing can deliver more vehicle without dramatically increasing the price.
Those philosophies are about to meet in the marketplace.
And consumers may ultimately be the winners.
For now, we’re calling this one:
Slate is the fascinating minimalist. Ford Fathom is the potentially formidable mainstream challenger.
But we’re reserving final judgment until Ford tells us the numbers that matter most — EPA range, battery capacity, payload, towing capacity and what buyers will actually pay when the truck reaches dealerships.
What do you think? Would you choose the ultra-simple Slate Truck, or spend a little more for the five-passenger Ford Fathom? Let us know in the comments.
Follow STM Daily News Consumer Corner Automotive for updates as Ford releases additional Fathom specifications and as the Slate Truck moves closer to customer deliveries.
Sources & Related Links
- Slate Auto — Official Website — Official information on the Slate Truck, customization options, pricing and projected range. Slate currently lists the Blank Slate at $24,950 with 205 miles of projected range.
- Slate Truck — Official Specifications — Detailed manufacturer specifications covering the 65-kWh LFP battery, dimensions, charging, 1,550-pound maximum payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity and projected 205-mile range.
- Slate Auto FAQ — Useful background on pricing, deliveries, charging and Slate’s unusual minimalist approach. Slate says first deliveries are planned for late 2026 and lists a $1,450 destination charge.
- Slate Press Kit — Particularly useful for STM Daily News because Slate provides official high-resolution photography, video and media materials here.
- Slate — Getting Your Truck — Explains Slate’s direct-to-consumer purchasing process, preorders and expected delivery process.
home improvement
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects: Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
(Feature Impact) Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Upcycling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – all it takes is a little imagination, some basic supplies and a free weekend.
Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Give a Worn Dresser a Fresh Look
Dressers have a way of accumulating scuffs and scratches over time, but it doesn’t take much to refresh their look. Clean the surfaces, sand away any rough spots then apply a fresh coat of furniture paint. To turn it into a stylish statement piece, choose a classy, on-trend color like sage green, deep navy or a warm neutral and replace the drawer pulls with modern hardware to match.
Transform an Old Coffee Table
The coffee table is a natural centerpiece of your living room, so give it an update that fits your preferred aesthetic. Sand it smooth, choose a new wood stain for a more natural look or paint it to match or create contrast with your walls and seating. Adding a protective clear coat can help the surface withstand everyday use and look new for longer.
Turn Wooden Chairs into Stylish Accent Pieces
If you have a collection of mismatched or worn-out wooden chairs around the house, try your hand at refurbishing instead of replacing them. Give them a good wash, repair any broken rungs, update the seats with fresh fabric or new cushions or unleash your inner artist by giving the chairs fun new designs with paint or peel-and-stick contact paper. If they aren’t a good fit for your main dining area, use the chairs as porch decorations or extra seating during parties.
Repurpose an Old Bookshelf
Bookshelves don’t just have to be for books. Give it a fresh design using paint or decorative wallpaper then transform it into a display cabinet, pantry organizer, entryway cubby for shoes and school supplies or whatever else your imagination sparks. Stave off clutter by adding visually appealing bins or baskets to help the shelves stay clean and organized.
Create a Unique Side Table
You can turn a variety of old furniture into side tables, from nightstands and end tables to stools and chairs with the backs removed. Consider adding decorative trim, stenciled designs, patterned tabletops or vibrant paint colors then give the finished table a new life as a plant display, bedside stand or porch accent piece.
Discover more home, lifestyle and crafting ideas at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Automotive
2027 Toyota Tundra Adds Trailhunter Package and Updated Technology
The 2027 Toyota Tundra adds a Trailhunter package, refreshed styling and a standard 14-inch touchscreen. Starting MSRP is $42,890.
Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
PLANO, Texas — Toyota is updating the 2027 Tundra with refreshed exterior styling, a new Trailhunter package and additional technology for its full-size pickup lineup.
2027 Toyota Tundra: Trailhunter Package and Tech Updates
Based on the SR5 grade, the Trailhunter package adds Old Man Emu suspension, Michelin all-terrain tires, front recovery hooks and extra underbody protection. A locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control help drivers navigate challenging terrain, while bronze-colored wheels distinguish the package.
The TRD Pro receives newly designed, adjustable FOX Q3S shocks, standard red tow hooks and a new Honeycomb paint option.
Inside, a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen becomes standard. Toyota also adds a built-in drive recorder and makes Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 standard across the lineup. Gas and i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrains remain available.
Toyota lists the 2027 Tundra with a starting MSRP of $42,890. Buyers should check destination charges, options and dealer pricing when comparing total costs.
Sources:
holidays
5 Holiday Shopping Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress
Holiday Shopping Tips: As the holiday season approaches, savvy gift-givers are already strategizing. Instead of scrambling to shop at the last minute and settling for whatever you can find, you can hunt strategically for gifts to make your loved ones smile. Consider these tips to score better bargains and less stress this season.
5 Holiday Shopping Tips to Save Money and Reduce Stress
(Feature Impact) As the holiday season approaches, savvy gift-givers are already strategizing. Instead of scrambling to shop at the last minute and settling for whatever you can find, you can hunt strategically for gifts to make your loved ones smile.
According to a survey conducted by TopCashback, today’s shoppers care more about getting the right gift than saving time or money. In fact, when choosing a holiday shopping superpower, 32% of respondents said they would choose knowing exactly what everyone wants, followed by always finding the perfect gift (30%), finding the best deal instantly (18%), getting unlimited free shipping (15%) and never waiting in checkout lines (6%).
Consider these tips to score better bargains and less stress this season.
Make a List
Among the worst parts of holiday gifting, U.S. adults most frequently cited forgetting to buy someone a gift (31%), followed by having someone dislike the gift they gave (26%). While you don’t have to figure out exactly what gifts to buy before you start shopping, it can be helpful to start with a list of the people you want to shop for. Write down family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and anyone else you’d like to include then check their names off as you go.
Set a Budget
Overspending during the holidays can put your finances in a tough spot for the new year, but you can avoid this pitfall by sticking to a realistic budget. Set spending limits, resist unnecessary impulse purchases and focus more on finding meaningful gifts than expensive ones. By shopping smart and planning ahead, you can make the most of each dollar of your gift budget.
Make the Most of Holiday Deals
U.S. adults most frequently describe their holiday gift-giving persona as “The Bargain Hunter,” with 30% agreeing they’ll stop at nothing to find the best deal. Women tend to drive a tougher bargain: 30% said the minimum discount they consider a “good” holiday shopping deal is up to 50% off, compared to 19% of men who said the same.
If saving money is a priority, consider combining tactics like shopping on sale days, using coupons and signing up for cash-back platforms like TopCashback, a free-to-join rebates website offering market-leading cash back rates that can be even higher during prime shopping seasons. You can earn cash back on more than 7,000 top brands and redeem your earnings for cash or gift cards to stack the savings – all without paying a membership fee.
Shop Early
Starting your shopping early gives you extra time to discover deals and find gifts you know your recipients will love. In addition to saving you money, this approach can save you from the pressure and rush of last-second panic buying. Younger shoppers are already adopting this mindset, with 37% of Gen Z respondents describing their holiday gift-giving persona as “The Prepper” – meaning they plan and prepare to always find and give the perfect gifts.
Treat Yourself
Holiday shopping season is also self-gifting season, with 77% of surveyed adults reporting they always, often or sometimes purchase items for themselves while holiday shopping. Whether you’re taking advantage of a buy-one-get-one deal or see something from your own wish list on sale, it can be an opportunity to give yourself a little extra holiday joy.
Learn more about making the most of holiday deals at TopCashback.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
TopCashback
