The Slate Truck: A Revolutionary Electric Pickup
In a market flooded with increasingly expensive vehicles, Slate Auto is shaking things up with the Slate Truck, an electric pickup that’s as bare-bones as it is innovative. Priced under $20,000 after federal incentives, this two-seater truck boasts a 150-mile range and a bed large enough to accommodate a sheet of plywood.
The Slate Truck is more than just a cheap electric vehicle; it’s a statement piece for minimalist design and DIY culture. With its plastic body panels and heathered textile upholstery, the truck is designed to age gracefully, embracing battle scars rather than hiding them. The lack of paint, stereo, and touchscreen may seem extreme, but it’s a deliberate choice that simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs.
A New Approach to Manufacturing
By eliminating the paint shop and stamping processes, Slate has streamlined its production, making it more cost-effective and less capital-intensive. The company’s focus on a single vehicle model in a single trim and color further reduces complexity. This approach has attracted significant investors, including Jeff Bezos, and positions Slate for cash flow positivity shortly after production begins.
Embracing Customization and DIY Maintenance
The Slate Truck is designed to be highly customizable, with vinyl wraps available for personalization and upgrade kits for adding features like additional seating or extended-range batteries. Slate is also promoting DIY maintenance through its Slate University platform, providing resources for owners to perform their own repairs and upgrades.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Slate Truck represents a bold experiment in simplicity and customer empowerment. With preorders starting at just $50 and production slated for late 2026, the question remains: are consumers ready for this radical new vision of what a vehicle can be?
