The Slate Truck’s promised sub-$20,000 starting price has been revised upward following the elimination of the federal EV tax credit. The automotive startup’s website now lists the price in the “mid-twenties,” rather than the previously advertised lower figure that relied on the tax credit.
This change comes after President Donald Trump’s policy bill was passed last week, which included the elimination of the federal EV tax credit effective September 30. Initially, Slate had touted a starting price of under $20,000 for its stripped-down electric pickup truck when it was revealed in April. However, this figure was contingent upon the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, with the actual starting price being just under $27,500.
The updated pricing on Slate’s website reflects the changed landscape following the policy bill’s passage. An asterisk on the website notes that the price is subject to change, with deliveries not expected until late 2026. Additionally, the company mentions that state and local incentives may still be available to reduce the cost further.
The Slate Truck’s initial price competitiveness was always vulnerable to changes in government incentives, particularly after Trump’s presidency began. The revised price of around $27,500 positions the Slate Truck more closely against the Ford Maverick, which starts at $29,840. While the Maverick comes standard with features like a sound system, power windows, and a central touchscreen – amenities that are absent in Slate’s base model – the modular electric pickup’s appeal may be diminished at the higher price point.
Originally reported by TechCrunch, this pricing adjustment suggests that the Slate Truck will not be the most affordable vehicle in the US market as initially anticipated, but will instead compete in a higher price bracket.
