Slate, a new U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturer backed by Jeff Bezos, is shaking up the EV market with its innovative approach to affordable transportation. The company has unveiled its first vehicle, the Slate Truck, a compact electric pickup designed to be budget-friendly and adaptable.
Key Features of the Slate Truck
The Slate Truck is a two-door, two-seat pickup that comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor producing 201 horsepower. It has a “range target” of 150 miles on a single charge, thanks to its 52.7 kWh battery pack. The truck can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph. Charging is via an NACS port, with a maximum charge speed of 120 kW, allowing for a 20-80% charge in under 30 minutes.
The truck’s compact dimensions – it’s over two feet shorter than the Ford Maverick – make it ideal for urban environments. Despite its small size, it offers a usable five-foot bed length and a “frunk” with seven cubic feet of storage.
Modular Design: From Truck to SUV
What sets Slate apart is its innovative modular design. The company offers a “flat-pack accessory SUV kit” that allows owners to transform the Truck into a five-seat SUV. This kit includes a roll cage, rear seat bench, airbags, and a new body shell. The transformation can be done by the owner or through Slate’s service.
Slate showed off two potential body styles for the SUV conversion: a boxy, Defender-like design and a fastback-style slanted roofline reminiscent of the Rivian R3. The design even allows for the possibility of removing panels to create a quasi-convertible.
Affordability through Simplification
Slate’s business model focuses on simplifying the manufacturing process and removing unnecessary features to reduce costs. The Truck starts at under $20,000 after federal incentives, suggesting an MSRP around $27,000. To achieve this affordability, Slate has eliminated features like a central infotainment screen, opting for a “bring your own tech” approach instead. The Truck comes with a phone mount and USB power, allowing drivers to use their own devices for navigation and media playback.
Other cost-cutting measures include crank windows and manual HVAC controls. However, Slate claims not to have compromised on safety, equipping the Truck with active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to eight airbags.
Sales and Service Model
Slate will adopt a direct-to-consumer sales model, allowing customers to order the Truck online and have it delivered near their home. Service needs will be handled through an unnamed partner. Reservations are now open for $50, with the first deliveries expected in Q4 2026.
By focusing on simplicity, modularity, and affordability, Slate aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience. While there are many details still to be confirmed, the company’s innovative approach has the potential to disrupt the EV market.
