All-New Slate Truck is a Cheap, Back-to-Basics EV for the U.S.
Slate Auto, a new California-based company backed in part by Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, has officially unveiled a small electric pickup that promises to attract a large number of customers in the U.S. with a base price of under $28,000 (not including the federal tax credit) and a host of customization options.
It will be produced at a new factory in Indianapolis, Indiana, with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 units. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, but reservations are already open in exchange for a refundable $50 deposit.
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The vehicle, which doesn't really have a name other than Slate Truck, lacks several features we now take for granted such as a radio, speakers and a multimedia display. The plain-looking cabin comes with a stripped-down dashboard, a small digital instrument panel, and a simple steering wheel with a smartphone holder next to it. Heck, it even has crank windows.
Some people will be satisfied with that, but Slate also offers an impressive catalog of parts, accessories and other equipment including conversion kits (the truck can easily be turned into an SUV or convertible). Incidentally, the only standard colour is grey, though Slate can apply a wrap on certain body panels or all of them, depending on the customer’s wishes. Likewise, steel wheels are included, with alloys in various designs requiring an extra.
On the other hand, there will be no compromise on safety: Slate promises a 5-star crash test rating, as well as an arsenal including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beams and more.
RWD Only, Two Batteries
When it comes to the powertrain, the single motor drives the rear wheels and delivers 201 horsepower. There's no all-wheel drive, here. However, there will be a choice of two battery packs: 52.7 kWh and 84.3 kWh. Their range is estimated at 241 km and 386 km, respectively.
Slate claims its electric truck has a DC fast charging capability of up to 120 kW and can therefore charge from 20-80 percent in about 30 minutes. A built-in NACS connector will allow direct access to Tesla Superchargers.
What else? Oh, we forgot to mention the cargo bed is five feet long with a payload of up to 1,400 lbs. There's a front trunk offering close to 200 litres of extra cargo room, while towing is possible up to 1,000 lbs only.
For now, Slate's plans are limited to the United States. If the project is successful, expansion to other markets including Canada could be considered.
