Slate Auto, a startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its first product: a basic electric pickup truck designed for the working class. The vehicle, simply called the Slate, is being marketed as an economical option with a target price of less than $27,500 when it goes on sale in late 2026.
Key Features of the Slate Pickup
The Slate is a two-door, two-seat electric pickup with a five-foot bed, manually cranked windows, and no built-in infotainment system. It has a standard driving range of 150 miles per charge, although an extended-range battery pack offering 240 miles will be available as an option. The truck is designed to be simple and affordable, with a single configuration and color (Slate Gray) to keep costs down.
The Slate is designed to be customizable, with the company offering various accessories such as colorful wraps, a kit to convert it into a five-seat SUV, and other equipment. This approach allows owners to personalize their vehicles as their needs change.
Manufacturing and Pricing
The Slate pickup will be manufactured in Indiana at a factory Slate Auto is building on a brownfield site. The company is positioning the vehicle as an alternative to more complex and expensive modern trucks. With the potential $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective price could be under $20,000.
Slate Auto’s COO, Jeremy Snyder, explained that the automotive industry has neglected working-class America by focusing on advanced technology and luxury features. “If I have an hourly job, I’m not thinking about whether I’m going to be driven to work by my autonomous car, I’m thinking I need to get to work in a reliable, safe way,” he said.
Specifications and Capabilities
Despite its basic nature, the Slate has a payload capacity of 1,433 pounds, can tow 1,000 pounds, and accelerates to 60 mph in eight seconds. Its top speed is limited to 90 mph.
The company is betting on the simplicity and customizability of the Slate to appeal to customers who are looking for a reliable, affordable vehicle without the complexities and costs associated with modern automotive technology.
Slate Auto’s approach represents a different strategy from many electric vehicle startups that have failed by trying to compete with established manufacturers on luxury and technology features. By focusing on a basic, affordable product, Slate is attempting to carve out a niche in the market for working-class consumers.
