Slate, a startup automaker, is shaking up the electric vehicle market with its customizable and affordable truck. The base price is expected to be under $20,000 after federal tax incentives, making it competitive with other budget-friendly options. The truck’s unique selling point lies in its modular design, allowing owners to convert the basic two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV using flat-pack kits. These kits include bodywork, seats, roll cage, and airbags, and can be installed by the owner at any time.
Key Features and Specifications
The Slate truck will be available with various customization options, including over 100 accessories such as wheels, tires, exterior lighting, and interior trim pieces. The company will also offer a lineup of wraps that can be applied by professionals or DIY buyers. The base model comes with crank windows and no infotainment system, keeping costs down. However, it will include standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
Battery and Charging
The Slate truck will offer two battery options: a standard 52.7-kWh battery with an EPA-rated range of 150 miles, and an optional 84.3-kWh pack that boosts the range to 240 miles. The truck features a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard port and a Combined Charging Standard adapter for wider charging options. The standard-range battery can fully charge in under eight hours on a Level 2 charger and can charge from 20%-80% in about 30 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Dimensions and Capabilities
Despite its compact size, the Slate truck’s cab offers similar interior volume to the front seat of a base Ford Maverick. However, the SUV body has about 10% less space than a Nissan Versa. The truck can handle payloads of up to 1,433 pounds but has a limited towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. While this may be a compromise, the Slate truck fills a gap in the market for affordable new vehicles.
Future Plans
Slate plans to have vehicles available for test drives in 2026, with sales starting thereafter. The company will also support owners with Slate University, a library of instructional videos for maintenance and accessory installation. With its unique blend of customization and affordability, the Slate truck is poised to make a significant impact in the EV market.
