Jeff Bezos-Backed EV Pickup Truck Defies Modern Trends with Manual Windows
In an era dominated by advanced automotive technology, Slate Auto’s new EV pickup truck is taking a step back in time by retaining manual windows. Backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos, this Michigan-based startup is challenging conventional wisdom with its unconventional approach.
The Slate Auto EV pickup truck is expected to launch in 2026 with a price tag of $25,000. While its electric vehicle (EV) technology is modern, the truck’s design harks back to an earlier era with its manual windows and steel wheels. The company’s press release highlighted this nostalgic approach, stating, “Approachable and timeless. Steel wheels outside. Crank windows and HVAC knobs inside.”
This decision is particularly noteworthy given Bezos’ investments in advanced robotics and artificial intelligence. The billionaire’s own vehicle of choice is a 1997 Honda Accord, suggesting a pragmatic approach to transportation. The Slate Auto EV pickup truck will be the first new car in America to feature crank windows in two years, following the discontinuation of this feature in the Jeep Wrangler.
The success of this blend of old and new technology remains to be seen. Will the Slate Auto EV pickup truck be seen as a stroke of genius or a confusing mix of outdated and modern elements? Only time will tell if this nostalgic approach will pay off in the competitive EV market.
