Slate Auto officially launched its compact electric pickup truck late Thursday, debuting a vehicle that promises to shake up the automotive market with its competitive pricing. The company, partially backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is set to sell the basic version of its EV truck for approximately $25,000, significantly undercutting the current cheapest EVs available in the US market.
Key Features and Specifications
The base model, dubbed the “Blank Slate,” comes with an estimated 150 miles of range from a 52.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It is available in a single color – a molded gray tone integrated into its composite body panels. Buyers have the option to upgrade to a larger 84.3-kWh battery, boosting the range to an estimated 240 miles, though pricing for this upgrade was not disclosed.
Slate is now accepting refundable $50 deposits for the pickup trucks, with deliveries expected to commence in the last quarter of 2026. Manufacturing will take place at an undisclosed location in the Midwestern United States, a strategic decision allowing the company to circumvent recent import tariffs.
Cost-Cutting Measures
Slate CEO Chris Barman explained in an interview with WIRED that both the product design and production process were engineered from the outset to minimize costs. By focusing on a single model and eliminating complexities associated with multiple variants and colors, Slate achieved significant savings. Barman noted that forgoing metal stamping presses and a paint shop saved the company between $350 million and $500 million, based on projected annual production of up to 150,000 vehicles.
Personalization and Accessories
While the base Slate model is stripped down, the company is emphasizing “accessible personalization” to appeal to younger buyers. Slate will offer over 100 accessories, available individually or in bundles, which customers can install themselves or have installed by authorized distributors for a fee. Notable accessories include conversion kits that can transform the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV or a fastback utility vehicle, priced around $5,000.
The vehicle’s design follows the classic two-seat American pickup truck profile but in a compact form. It measures 175 inches in length, 71 inches in width, and 69 inches in height, offering a 60-inch cargo bed. The Slate also features a front trunk with 7 cubic feet of storage.
Market Strategy and Future Prospects
Slate plans to target retail buyers to establish its brand presence and boost public awareness through personalized vehicles. The company also anticipates sales to corporate customers for fleet purchases. The connection to Amazon, given Jeff Bezos’ involvement, has sparked speculation that Slate trucks could potentially be adopted by Amazon for its delivery needs.
The Slate’s story bears some resemblance to past automotive startups, such as V-Vehicles, which aimed to produce low-cost, lightweight vehicles but ultimately failed to secure necessary funding. Despite historical parallels, Slate’s affordable electric pickup truck appears well-positioned to capture market attention, pending successful execution of its manufacturing and delivery plans.
