Hey there, readers! I’ve got some exciting news to share about a mysterious electric vehicle (EV) startup that’s been flying under the radar and guess who’s behind it?
None other than Jeff Bezos, the billionaire mastermind of Amazon. Let me break it all down for you.
This secretive company, called Slate Auto, is based in Michigan and has been quietly working on something big since it kicked off in 2022.
According to a report by Sean O’Kane that dropped on April 8, 2025, Slate is backed by Bezos through his family office, and it’s aiming to shake up the EV world with an affordable, two-seat electric pickup truck priced around $25,000.
That’s right, an EV that won’t break the bank! Sources say the company’s leaders are inspired by classics like the Ford Model T and Volkswagen Beetle, dreaming of creating a simple, iconic ride for the masses.
Slate didn’t just come out of nowhere, it actually sprouted from another Bezos-connected outfit called Re:Build Manufacturing, a company co-founded by ex-Amazon bigwig Jeff Wilke.
They’ve been hiring like crazy, pulling in talent from heavy hitters like Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and even Harley-Davidson. And it’s not just Bezos throwing cash at this venture.
Other big names, like Mark Walter (the LA Dodgers’ controlling owner and Guggenheim Partners CEO) and Thomas Tull (a key investor in Re:Build), have jumped on board too, according to documents dug up by TechCrunch.
So, how much money are we talking about? Slate raised a hefty $111 million in a Series A round back in 2023, with Bezos and 15 other investors chipping in. Melinda Lewison, who runs Bezos’ family office, is even listed as a director in the company’s paperwork.
Then, late last year, they wrapped up a Series B round, though they haven’t filed the details with the SEC yet.
The Delaware filings hint at nearly 500 million preferred shares priced at $2.37 each, plus over 400 million shares of common stock. That’s a serious war chest to get this truck rolling!
Speaking of rolling, Slate’s got ambitious plans to start production as early as late 2026, possibly at a facility near Indianapolis.
They’re keeping it hush-hush whether they’re building a new factory or taking over an existing one, but job listings and some state records point to that area.
The twist is that the EV market’s been a bit rocky lately, growth has slowed, and some startups have crashed and burned. But Slate’s betting on a different playbook.
Here’s where it gets interesting: instead of going high-end like Tesla or Rivian, Slate wants this truck to be a “first car” for buyers. At $25,000, it’s affordable upfront, and they’re planning to boost profits with a whole line of accessories and apparel.
Think custom parts, cool gear, and maybe even pet harnesses, yep, they’ve trademarked the phrase “WE BUILT IT. YOU MAKE IT.” They’re even calling their customization program “Slate University,” where owners can learn to tweak and upgrade their rides.
It’s a strategy borrowed from companies like Harley-Davidson and Stellantis, and Slate’s packed its team with execs from both to make it work.
The company’s headquartered in Troy, Michigan, but they’ve also got a design studio in Long Beach, California, where they’ve been showing off a prototype to wealthy investors.
And boy, does Slate have some Amazon DNA! Beyond Bezos, there’s funding from former Amazon exec Diego Piacentini, and several Amazon veterans, like Wei Gao, once a top VP, are now at Re:Build or Slate. Even the name “Re:Car” (Slate’s original codename) nods to Amazon’s event branding.
Unlike other EV startups led by flashy founders, Slate’s CEO is Christine Barman, a seasoned auto industry pro who spent over 20 years at Chrysler.
She’s not a social media star, she’s been quietly advising on tech and teaching engineering before taking the helm. The founder, technically, is Miles Arnone, but he’s busy running Re:Build full-time.
So, what’s the vibe? Slate’s all about challenging the norm, sourcing batteries and motors from suppliers, focusing on a low-cost design, and building a brand owners can personalize. They’re even hiring people who “love cars” to keep the passion alive.
But with the EV market cooling off, it’s a bold move. Will Slate’s affordable truck and accessory game pay off? We’ll have to wait and see, production’s still a year and a half away. For now, this Bezos-backed secret is out, and it’s got us all curious!
