Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, has selected a site in Warsaw, Indiana to manufacture its sub-$20,000 electric pickup truck. The company will retrofit a 1.4 million square-foot former R.R. Donnelly printing factory, creating approximately 2,000 jobs and aiming for an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Background
The factory, which previously employed 500 people but was closed in 2023, will be retooled with EV manufacturing equipment. This move is part of Slate Auto’s innovative approach to making electric vehicles more affordable. Their “LEGO-kit-like” design allows buyers to customize their trucks with various features and options.
Innovative Manufacturing Approach
Slate’s strategy of repurposing an existing factory rather than building a new one is economically smart. This approach has been successful for other EV manufacturers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, who have all taken over former automotive plants. Retrofitting existing facilities can save costs and reduce the risks associated with greenfield investments.
The Slate Electric Truck
The Slate truck will be offered in a basic, sub-$20,000 configuration (with tax credits) as a two-seater without amenities like a stereo or infotainment screen. Buyers will have the option to add hundreds of customizable features at an additional cost, allowing for significant personalization. Potential owners have been experimenting with the online configurator, creating unique designs and conversions, including SUV and fastback versions.
While the concept is promising, the challenge lies in successfully transitioning from concept to production. If Slate can achieve its production goals, it would mark a significant step forward in making affordable EVs a reality. The company’s approach to EV sales and manufacturing could potentially disrupt the traditional automotive industry’s business model.
