Ford's cheap EV truck keeps CarPlay, Slate's does not
Ford's Fathom will have a built-in screen with CarPlay and Android Auto, while Slate's cheaper truck asks buyers to mount their own phone or tablet.
The facts
- According to Engadget, the Blank Slate Truck starts at $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination charge, and the Ford Fathom starts at $28,350 plus a $1,595 destination charge.
- Slate has no traditional infotainment system. Phone mounting and charging are standard, and buyers can add accessory speakers and a bracket for a larger tablet.
- The Fathom gets a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a digital key and bidirectional power. Ford has not yet announced its range, towing capacity or payload, and preorders begin in early 2027.
- Engadget cites Deloitte's 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study: 63 percent of US respondents said smartphone connectivity via CarPlay or Android Auto was somewhat or very important in their next vehicle.
Case notes · Danny's take
Why it matters
Two companies are chasing the same sub-$30,000 electric pickup, and they cut costs in opposite ways. Slate strips the cabin back and lets your phone do the work. Ford simplifies how the truck is built and keeps the screen people expect. The pull of smartphone integration is a useful signal: cheap only works if buyers do not feel something is missing.
For builders
Slate's phone-first cabin leaves room for mounts, tablet brackets, speakers and other accessories. Online owners are already talking about aftermarket stereos and DIY projects to add CarPlay or Android Auto.
Not financial advice. Do your own investigation.
This story was summarised with AI from Engadget's reporting and checked against our editorial policy. Danny's take reflects his views. Disclaimer.
Danny Walter
Founder of Moon Republic, Volt Terminal and Moon Republic Academy. Author of The Market Is a Crime Scene and After the Applause.