Quick Reads:
- The Slate Squareback SUV is based on a modular platform
- The Slate Squareback SUV features a BYOD setup
- This SUV for India gets a high-torque and range-efficient powertrain
The US-based electric automobile manufacturing startup, Slate Auto, has officially patented its Slate Squareback SUV in India. This modular platform-based, and boxy silhouette-type SUV patent takes centre stage, followed by the filing of a fastback SUV and electric pickup truck patent in India. Slate Squareback represents the third patent registered for the Indian SUV market by the entity.
The Slate Squareback | Design Highlights:
Let us take a closer look at the Slate Squareback’s design attributes as per the patent registered in India to understand what makes it an appealing SUV for the Indian market:
Boxy SUV Architecture: The Slate Squareback has a large footprint based on a modular boxy SUV platform featuring detachable integrations; this includes boxy pannier-like fitment, which is detachable for seamlessly transitioning between standard utility and expansive SUV layout.
Safety-Based Integrations: While the pannier fitments offer modularity, to maximise occupant safety, the structurally fitting setup integrates side airbags. While on the subject, the Squareback SUV is deemed by reports to be designed with sufficient reinforcements for crash protection.
Seamless Smartphone Functions: The Slate Squareback is claimed to feature a BYOD, or bring your own device functionality; it offers a docking space for smartphones or tablets to function as an infotainment system rather than integrating expensive factory-fitted central screens. These modularity-based functions can make the Squareback a bit more affordable SUV for India.
2026 Slate Squareback Patent | Performance Details:
While the exact performance details are yet to be revealed, the following powertrain specifications are expected to feature in the Slate Squareback for India:
| Slate Squareback Criteria | Specifications | Additional Information |
| Powertrain | PMSM | Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Battery | 65 kWh | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) |
| Power | 135 kW | Peak Power Output |
| Torque | 264 Nm | Nominal Torque Performance |
| Range | 241 km / full charge | EPA- Rated Output |
| Fast Charging Capacity | 120 kW | DC Fast Charging Capacity |
| Top Speed | 145 kmph | 0 to 97 kmph In 8.0 Seconds ~ |
The Squareback for India can be a practical high-performance SUV designed to maximise torque production and range performance to suit Indian operating requirements. Reports state that the SUV in the USA is designed to deliver the above-mentioned outputs; the Indian market can see the same performance to suit the operating requirements. Moreover, preliminary reports in India suggest that the production model will feature similar specifications mentioned in the table.
Conclusion: What Does The Patent Mean For India?
While the order books have opened for the US market, the SUV patent in India does not directly suggest an immediate commencement of launch. This is a common practice to protect the intellectual property of the entities from being copied, or for future commencement of sales in the markets that a company is yet to step into, or emerging markets.
Nevertheless, the Slate Squareback is in the queue for stepping into concept spec versions, following similar strategies maintained by Mahindra for its Vision S, Vision T and Vision SXT for India. Slate is planning to step into other markets with its Squareback, which is poised to enhance the market by featuring high- range and torque performance. If it enters the Indian SUV market, the Squareback can rival the Mahindra Vision series and Chery T1TP patented in India.
