You Could Buy A Slate Truck, Or Build Your Own EV Pickup From An Old Toyota

Building an electric pickup from a vintage Toyota frame costs substantially less than buying a new Slate EV truck, and the DIY route offers flexibility that production models cannot match.

The Slate truck, an upcoming electric pickup, carries a premium price tag typical of new EV vehicles. A 1982 Toyota pickup, by contrast, costs a fraction of that. With battery pack costs dropping and conversion kits becoming more accessible, hobbyists and small shops now retrofit classic trucks with electric powertrains for less total investment.

The advantages extend beyond price. A converted 1982 Toyota lets builders choose battery capacity, motor output, and chassis modifications to suit specific needs. A Slate buyer gets fixed specifications. Classic truck platforms also offer lighter curb weight than modern trucks, which improves efficiency and range per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity.

The conversion process involves removing the original engine and transmission, mounting a large lithium battery pack, and installing an electric motor coupled to the truck's existing drivetrain. Modern conversion specialists handle this work, though owner-builders tackle it themselves for labor cost savings.

Real-world conversions demonstrate viability. A converted 1982 Toyota pickup can achieve 100-150 miles of range depending on battery size, matched or exceeded by many affordable EVs. The truck retains its compact footprint, iconic styling, and proven mechanical simplicity compared to complicated modern architectures.

Tradeoffs exist. Factory EVs like the Slate offer modern features, warranties, and reliability assurance that conversions cannot guarantee. Charging infrastructure was built around new EVs with standardized connectors. A converted truck still works, but owners sacrifice customer support and resale predictability.

For builders willing to invest time and mechanical skill, the old Toyota conversion path delivers an electric truck with character at a lower entry cost. For convenience-focused buyers, the Slate offers mainstream EV truck