Homestead farmer with chickens says Slate truck could replace their $100-a-tank Toyota TundraThe Cool DownJames NanzoFri, September 18, 2026 at 9:38 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: SlateFor one small homestead farmer, the appeal of a stripped-down electric pickup had nothing to do with status or flashy tech. Instead, it came down to replacing an aging gas truck that no longer felt practical for everyday life.Here's what to knowThat case was laid out in a Reddit thread on r/electricvehicles by a small homesteader with "a handful of acres" who raises birds and sells at a farmers market.The poster needed a truck bed for moving materials around the property, A hand-me-down 2007 Toyota Tundra was still working, but it was starting to feel like too much truck at too high a cost. They noted the "100+ dollars a tank I pay will only increase in the next 2-3 years."AdvertisementAdvertisementIn addition to gas savings, the simplicity of a Slate truck appealed to the OP.They highlighted "lower ongoing cost (maintenance and fuel)," said there would be "less frequent maintenance needed," and liked the idea of a vehicle that is more DIY-friendly than many newer models. They also said local snowfall does not make four-wheel drive a major concern.One commenter said this sounded like exactly the sort of use case a smaller electric pickup could serve well."You're correct that EVs will cost less to fuel and maintain," they wrote. "If your use case/needs are for a small, simple pickup then the Slate may be a great fit."AdvertisementAdvertisementA second commenter with a similar setup echoed that reaction: "I'm no early adopter of anything, but if the Slate Truck checks out after a year or two I think we'll likely have one."More backgroundWhat the thread highlighted was a more ordinary corner of the EV truck debate. Doubts about electric pickups often center on towing, range loss with heavy loads, and expensive sticker prices, but that was not the situation being described here.The poster's smaller property made the potential drawbacks of EVs less of a concern, while advantages like lower upkeep costs could still be realized.The replies also hit on why wider farm adoption has lagged. One commenter pointed out that many traditional farms already have diesel delivered on-site, while another said tractors and harvest equipment often need long operating windows and capabilities that current battery-powered options still cannot match at a reasonable price.What can be done?Charging may be just as important as purchase price. One commenter argued that for some smaller properties, it makes sense.AdvertisementAdvertisement"Charging at the farm for cheap instead of having to drive all that way to a gas station burning time and fuel to get gas seems to be the way to go," they wrote.For some buyers, that convenience could matter as much as the cost per mile. Replacement timing is another major factor. If an older truck is already paid off and still doing the work, switching immediately may not pencil out.Where can I learn more?For buyers weighing a compact electric truck, the following articles spotlight one of the major potential benefits: backup home power.• GM is pushing EVs to power homes during blackouts, though installation costs remain a hurdle.AdvertisementAdvertisement• A homeowner used the Ford F-150 Lightning for backup power at home, broadening pickup utility beyond hauling.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.