- Slate Auto debuts affordable EV pickup, starting under $20,000 with federal tax credit, targeting late 2026 delivery.
- Analog design skips infotainment, uses manual windows, unpainted body; highly customizable with 100+ accessories.
- Base model offers 150-mile range, 52.7 kWh battery, 1,400-lb payload; optional battery extends to 240 miles.
- Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate focuses on domestic manufacturing in Indiana, emphasizing simplicity and DIY upgrades.
A new player in the electric vehicle market, Slate Auto, has burst onto the scene with a pickup truck that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Unlike the tech-heavy, premium-priced EVs dominating headlines, this American startup is taking a refreshingly different approach: affordable, customizable, and unabashedly analog.
Revealed at a lively event in Long Beach, California, on April 24, 2025, Slate Auto’s debut vehicle is a bold statement against the industry’s obsession with screens and autonomy. With a starting price under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits and a promise of deliveries by late 2026, Slate is positioning itself as the people’s EV maker.
Imagine a truck that skips the flashy infotainment screen, rolls down windows with a manual crank, and doesn’t even come painted. That’s Slate’s “Blank Slate,” a vehicle designed to be as practical as it is personal. The base model sports a 52.7 kWh battery pack, delivering 150 miles of range through a 150 kW rear-axle motor. Need more distance? An optional larger battery boosts the range to about 240 miles.
It charges via the North American Charging Standard port, aligning with the industry standard set by Tesla and adopted by most automakers. The truck’s compact size, 174.6 inches long with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, makes it smaller than a Ford Maverick, but it still packs a 1,400-pound payload capacity and a 1,000-pound towing limit. A front trunk with seven cubic feet of storage, complete with a drain for tailgate parties, adds a touch of practicality.
What sets Slate Auto apart is its commitment to customization. The company isn’t just selling a truck; it’s selling a canvas. Buyers can choose from over 100 accessories at launch, from roof racks to infotainment screens to cosmetic wraps that replace traditional paint. Want to name your truck? Slate offers embossed tailgate wraps to make it truly yours. For those overwhelmed by options, curated “starter packs” simplify the process.
The unpainted body isn’t just a quirky choice; it slashes production costs by eliminating the need for a paint shop, helping Slate keep prices low while dodging regulatory hurdles. The company even encourages DIY upgrades, with how-to videos on its “Slate University” platform for non-gearheads. Don’t feel like wrenching? Authorized partners can handle installations.
Slate’s flexibility doesn’t stop at aesthetics. The truck can transform from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV with modular add-ons, no mechanic required. This adaptability makes it a vehicle that evolves with its owner’s needs, whether you’re hauling gear or carpooling. Standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, airbags, and a backup camera ensure it meets federal requirements without compromising its minimalist ethos.
Backed by heavyweights like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, Slate Auto has raised over $111 million to fuel its ambitions. With nearly 400 employees and plans to build its trucks in Indiana, the startup is betting on domestic manufacturing to navigate a volatile market. The timing couldn’t be more precarious Recent years have seen EV startups like Canoo and Fisker crumble, while survivors like Rivian bleed cash chasing scale.
Slate’s strategy flips the script, prioritizing affordability and customization over high-end tech. “We’re building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never delivered,” CEO Chris Barman declared at the event, emphasizing a truck that’s both lovable and attainable.
Slate’s road ahead isn’t without bumps. The $20,000 price tag hinges on federal tax credits, which may not survive political shifts. Its 1,000-pound towing capacity lags behind competitors like the Ford Maverick, and the 150-mile base range might raise eyebrows for long-haul drivers.
Yet, Slate’s focus on simplicity and personalization could resonate with buyers priced out of the EV market. Interested? A $50 refundable reservation on Slate’s website secures your spot. As the auto industry grapples with high costs and complex tech, Slate Auto’s analog EV might just be the breath of fresh air American drivers need.
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