Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its first vehicle: the Slate Truck, a minimalist electric pickup designed to offer affordability and customization in the EV market.
Key Features of the Slate Truck
- Starting Price: Approximately $25,000, with potential reductions to under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits.
- Battery Options: Two configurations are available: a 57.2 kWh battery offering a 150-mile range, and an 84.3 kWh battery providing up to 240 miles.
- Performance: Equipped with a 201-horsepower rear-mounted motor, the truck accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 90 mph.
- Charging: Utilizes the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, achieving an 80% charge in under 30 minutes with DC fast charging.
Design and Customization
The Slate Truck embraces a “blank slate” philosophy, featuring a utilitarian design with:
- Exterior: Unpainted gray polypropylene body panels, eliminating the need for traditional paint jobs.
- Interior: Manual crank windows, absence of a built-in infotainment system, and reliance on the driver’s smartphone for navigation and media.
- Modularity: Owners can customize their vehicles with over 100 optional accessories, including vinyl wraps, bed caps, and an SUV conversion kit that adds rear seats and a roll cage.
Production and Availability
- Manufacturing: Production is slated to begin in late 2026 at a facility in Indiana.
- Reservations: Interested buyers can place a refundable $50 deposit to reserve a Slate Truck.
Market Positioning
Slate Auto aims to disrupt the EV market by offering a no-frills, affordable electric pickup that contrasts with the trend of increasingly complex and expensive vehicles. The company’s approach emphasizes simplicity, user customization, and cost-effectiveness, potentially appealing to a broad range of consumers seeking practical transportation solutions.
