Affordable Electric Truck Enters Market
Slate, a new automaker backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and two investment funds, has unveiled an inexpensive electric truck that could make electric vehicles more accessible to price-conscious Americans. The truck, priced below $30,000, is set to be manufactured in an undisclosed Midwestern location.
With the $7,500 federal tax credit, the starting price drops to under $20,000, according to Chris Barman, Slate’s CEO. The vehicle is designed with a “plug and play” philosophy, offering customers the option to choose basic features or add luxuries like power windows and exterior color customization.
The truck has a range of 150 miles, extendable to 240 miles with an optional battery pack. It comes with standard safety features including a backup camera, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The vehicle’s simplicity is a deliberate design choice to keep costs low, with manual windows and no infotainment system.
Customers can customize the truck with various wraps and interior upgrades. Barman estimates that adding popular features would increase the price by about $10,000. The truck can also be converted into an SUV, offering flexibility.
Industry experts are watching Slate’s move closely, with some expressing excitement about the potential for affordable EVs to open up new market segments. However, others question whether consumers will accept the stripped-down features.
Production is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with reservations available for $50 on Slate’s website. The company’s strategy highlights the ongoing challenge of affordability in the EV market, where the average transaction price remains high despite incentives.
