EV vs ICE: Why the Slate Auto Truck Could Save You Thousands in Maintenance
Introduction
The automotive world is changing fast, and Slate Auto is positioning itself as a disruptor with a minimalist, affordable electric truck. But beyond its stripped-down design and sub-$20K price point, one of the biggest value drivers may be what it doesn’t have—engines, transmissions, or high-maintenance tech.
In this article, we’ll break down the total cost of ownership for the Slate EV truck versus a fully loaded midsize internal combustion engine (ICE) truck over 100,000 miles, 5 years, and 10 years. From oil changes to powertrain repairs, we’re going deep into what really costs you money over the long haul.
Vehicle Profiles
- Slate Auto EV Truck: A rugged, utilitarian EV with no paint, no touchscreen, and a range between 150–240 miles. Starting under $20,000 after incentives. [Source]
- Modern Midsize ICE Truck: Examples include the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, Ford Ranger Lariat, and Chevy Colorado ZR2. These trucks cost around $40,000+ with high-end trims and advanced electronics.
Courtesy: Slate Auto
Cost Factor Breakdown
1. Scheduled Maintenance
Slate EV: Fewer fluids, belts, and moving parts mean less frequent service. According to EV Connect, EV maintenance averages $0.06 per mile.
ICE Truck: Oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, and transmission fluids drive up cost. Forbes reports ICE vehicles average $0.10 per mile for maintenance. [Source]
2. Unscheduled Repairs
Slate EV: No oil leaks, no head gaskets. With fewer components to fail, repair frequency is lower. “The fewer systems you have, the fewer things go wrong,” says EV tech analyst Daniel Warren.
ICE Truck: More complexity means more risk. From alternators to exhausts, parts wear faster and cost more when they fail.
3. Fuel vs. Charging
Slate EV: At-home charging costs average $0.13/kWh in the U.S. A full 60 kWh charge costs about $7.80 and provides roughly 200 miles of range. [DOE Source]
ICE Truck: With an average of 20 MPG and $4.00/gallon fuel, 100,000 miles equals $20,000 in fuel spend.
4. Brake Wear
Slate EV: Regenerative braking dramatically increases brake pad lifespan. EVs can go twice as long between brake jobs.
ICE Truck: Frequent braking in heavier trucks leads to faster pad and rotor replacements—typically every 40,000–60,000 miles.
5. Tire Wear
Slate EV: EV torque can wear tires faster, but Slate’s lightweight build may balance this out.
ICE Truck: Aggressive off-road tires and larger rims drive up replacement costs.
6. Electronics & Component Failures
Slate EV: No touchscreen, no power seats, no sunroof. Simplicity equals reliability. “Every sensor is another point of failure,” notes off-grid mechanic Tyler Haskins.
ICE Truck: Modern ICE trucks feature dozens of ECUs and modules. When one fails, repairs often cost hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of dollars out of warranty.
7. Powertrain & Battery
Slate EV: Battery packs are expected to last 8–10 years or more. Replacements are dropping in cost and may be modular.
ICE Truck: Engine rebuilds, timing chain failures, and transmission issues start showing up after 100,000 miles. These are some of the priciest repairs in the ICE world.
10-Year Cost Comparison
| Timeframe | Slate EV | Midsize ICE Truck |
|---|---|---|
| 100,000 Miles | $6,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 Years | $8,000 | $13,000 |
| 10 Years | $12,000 | $20,000 |
Includes fuel/electricity, maintenance, and common repair estimates.
Conclusion
The Slate Auto EV truck is a case study in simplicity winning the long game. By removing nearly every non-essential system, it dramatically reduces the risk of expensive repairs and ongoing service costs.
With potential 10-year savings exceeding $8,000, the Slate Truck isn’t just affordable to buy—it’s affordable to live with. For buyers who value cost, utility, and reliability over luxury tech, the Slate EV might be the smartest truck on the road.
