Slate Auto Unveils Refreshingly Simple Electric Truck Designed for Customization
Jeff Bezos-backed startup Slate Auto has revealed its electric pickup truck at an event in Long Beach, California. The simple, small truck is designed to be a blank slate for owners to customize with a wide variety of accessories. The two-seat truck will have a range of up to 240 miles and starts at under $27,500 before federal incentives.
Key Features and Specifications
- Two battery options: 52.7-kWh for 150 miles or 84.3-kWh for 240 miles
- Single electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque
- Rear-wheel drive with MacPherson strut front suspension and De Dion rear axle
- 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, top speed 90 mph
- Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds; payload capacity: 1,433 pounds
- DC fast charging up to 120 kW, full charge in 4-8 hours with 11-kW AC charger
The Slate truck measures 174.6 inches in length, making it significantly smaller than competitors like the Ford Maverick. It’s designed to be easy to drive and customize, with over 100 accessories available at launch, including body parts, gear racks, and interior decals.
Customization Options
Slate Auto is emphasizing the truck’s customizability, with features like:
- Vinyl wrap kits available from the factory
- Over 100 accessories, including body parts and interior components
- Optional flat-pack kit to convert the truck into a five-seat SUV
- Various wheel and tire options, including 17-inch and 20-inch wheels
The interior features a simple, rectangular design with a large glovebox and minimal electronics – there’s no standard infotainment screen, though a phone mount is available. The base model will not include speakers, but these can be added as accessories.
Production is set to begin in late 2026 at a factory in Indiana, with deliveries starting in Q4 2026. The truck will be sold directly to consumers online, with a nationwide network of service centers for support. The base price is expected to be under $27,500 before federal incentives, bringing it below $20,000 after tax credits.
