Slate Enters EV Market with Compact Pickup Truck
Michigan-based Slate, backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its first product: a tiny, basic two-seat electric pickup truck called the Slate Truck. The new automaker kept its plans secret until the reveal in Long Beach, California.
Key Features of the Slate Truck
- Expected price: under $20,000 after incentives
- Compact size: 174.6 inches long, significantly shorter than competitors like Ford Maverick
- Simple design with manual window cranks and no infotainment screen
- Single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque
- Two battery options: 150 miles and 240 miles estimated range
- Rear-wheel drive with no all-wheel-drive option available
The Slate Truck is designed to be highly customizable, with over 100 accessories available at launch. The company is also offering a do-it-yourself kit to transform the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV, complete with airbags and a roll cage.
Slate’s approach differs significantly from other EV startups that focus on high-performance, luxury vehicles. Instead, the company aims to provide an affordable, practical solution for customers who feel ignored by the auto industry.
Technical Specifications
- Powertrain: Single electric motor
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 201
- Peak torque: 195 pound-feet
- Range: 150 miles (base), 240 miles (optional)
- Top speed: 90 mph
- Charging port: North American Charging Standard (NACS)
- Charging time: Less than 5 hours (Level 2), under 30 minutes (DC fast-charger)
The Slate Truck’s design is boxy and straightforward, with a digital instrument panel and three analog dials for climate control. The lack of a central infotainment screen is compensated by a phone mount, allowing drivers to use their smartphones for entertainment and navigation.
Slate plans to sell the truck directly to consumers online, bypassing traditional dealership models. Production will take place in the United States, potentially qualifying the vehicle for the Federal Electric Car Tax Credit.
The new company faces challenges in a competitive EV market, but Slate’s focus on affordability and customizability could provide a unique selling proposition.
