Slate Truck - Revolutionizing The Electric Vehicle Market With The $25,000
Analog EV Pickup
In a landscape dominated by high-tech electric vehicles (EVs) featuring
expansive touchscreens and autonomous driving capabilities, a new player has
emerged, offering a refreshing alternative. Slate Auto, an American electric
vehicle startup, is challenging the status quo with its minimalist,
customizable, and affordably priced EV pickup truck. Backed by industry
giants and led by a team of seasoned professionals, Slate Auto aims to make
electric vehicles accessible to a broader audience.
 |
| Slate Truck | Picture Source - Slate.Auto |
The Slate Auto
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Slate Auto is a
stealth-mode electric vehicle startup that has garnered attention for its
unique approach to EV design and pricing. The company was founded as part of
the Re:Build Manufacturing ecosystem, an industrial venture spearheaded by
Jeff Bezos. Slate's early path is marked by robust backing, including a $111
million Series A funding round.
Slate Auto's leadership team comprises individuals with extensive
experience in the automotive and technology sectors. The company is led by
CEO Chris Barman, who brings extensive experience and deep industry
expertise to the position. Additionally, Slate Auto has attracted
significant investment from notable figures, including Jeff Bezos, the
founder of Amazon. Other investors include Mark Walter, the controlling
owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, and Thomas
Tull, a lead investor of "Re:Build Manufacturing" .
The Slate EV Pickup: A Game-Changer In The Market
Slate Auto's inaugural vehicle, the Blank Slate, is a compact electric
pickup truck designed to be both affordable and highly customizable. Priced
at $25,000, it is one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. market. The
base model features a 52.7 kWh battery providing a range of 150 miles, with
an optional upgrade to an 84.3 kWh battery extending the range to 240
miles.
Design And Customization:
Turn a simple Pickup truck into a SUV
 |
| Slate Truck | Picture Source - Slate.Auto |
 |
| Slate Truck converted to SUV | Picture Source - Slate.Auto |
 |
| Slate Truck | Picture Source - Slate.Auto |
The Slate Pickup is designed with less features keeping in mind that it
should be a low costs product for buyers. It lacks a central infotainment
screen, power windows, and comes in a single gray color. However, it offers
over 100 optional accessories, including kits to convert the truck into a
five-passenger SUV, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle
according to their preferences and budget .
Slate’s EV truck, aptly called the Blank Slate, is all about modularity and
customization. Think of it like a platform or canvas for you to build the
exact vehicle you need.
Here's how you can customize it:
Configurable Body Styles
5-passenger SUV – With an add-on kit, you can turn the pickup into
an SUV.
Enclosed cargo van – For small business owners or delivery
services.
Open utility bed – Great for farming, landscaping, or hauling.
These changes are made using modular kits that attach to the core vehicle
architecture.
You’re not locked into just one design. The Blank Slate starts as a basic
pickup truck, but you can transform it into other vehicle types.
Accessory Ecosystem
Slate offers over 100 modular accessories
that snap into place or bolt on, giving you full control over function and
form. These include:
Roof racks, bed extenders, and camper shells
Tool
storage and workbench modules
Interior upgrades like alternative seat
materials, dash configurations, or added utility storage
This makes it
great for tradespeople, outdoor adventurers, or DIY fans.
Interior Simplicity Or Upgrade
The base interior is intentionally minimal, with no central touchscreen,
manual windows and locks. It comes with a classic analog gauge cluster.
However, you can upgrade or personalize your cabin with aftermarket
infotainment systems (pre-supported with mount and power), Bluetooth
connectivity modules, premium upholstery or seat warmers.
Battery + Range Options
You can choose between:
52.7 kWh battery (150 miles of range) or 84.3 kWh battery (240 miles of
range)
This allows you to customize your Slate based on whether you're using it
for city driving or longer rural hauls.
DIY-Friendly
One of the coolest things? Slate encourages a DIY ethos. The vehicle
comes with standard bolt patterns and open-source schematics for
accessory mounting.
Slate Truck Performance And Utility:
Despite its minimalist design, the Blank Slate does not compromise on
performance.
The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive vehicle boasts a 1,430-pound payload
and a 1,000-pound towing capacity. Its compact size, with a length of 175
inches and a 5-foot bed, makes it ideal for urban environments and
light-duty hauling.
Manufacturing And Production.
Slate Auto plans to begin production of the Blank Slate in late 2026 at
a facility in the Midwest. The company emphasizes low-cost manufacturing
and simplicity in its production process to keep prices affordable for
consumers.
Market Positioning And Future Outlook.
Slate Auto positions itself as a disruptor in the EV market, targeting
consumers who value simplicity, affordability, and customization over
advanced technological features.
By offering a budget-friendly electric pickup truck, Slate aims to make
electric vehicles more accessible to a broader audience and compete with
established players like Tesla and Rivian.
FAQ About Slate Truck.
What is Slate University ?
Slate University is official library of how-tos and video tutorials.
Slate U/university will help you understand and learn everything from
maintenance to personalization. Slate U, will be free of charge content.
Company wishes to make personalizing and maintaining Slate trucks easy
and fun. You can also take help from their service network customers
face any difficulties doing customizations.
What much Slate truck cost ?
Company claims the expected price of the blank Slate would be under
$20,000 after federal incentives are applied.
How to transform Slate truck into SUV?
You'll have to purchase a SUV kit from Slate Auto which help you convert
the pick up into a SUV. They offer three different styles: The SUV Kit -
square profile. The Fastback Kit . The Open Air Kit with no hardtop or
windows.
For More details visit the official website - Slate Auto
What are Slate truck dimensions ?
Slate auto claims the Slate truck is 174.6 in. long, 69.3 in. tall, 70.6
in. wide. Wheelbase would be of 108.9 in. The interior volume is 58
cubic feet.
How to book Slate truck?
Booking can be done on official slate auto website
SlateAuto.
Reservations are to be placed in the U.S. only.
Slate Auto's approach to electric vehicle design and pricing represents
a significant shift in the industry. By focusing on affordability,
customization, and simplicity, the company is poised to make a
meaningful impact in the EV market. As production of the Blank Slate
begins, it will be interesting to see how this innovative startup
influences the future of electric vehicles.
Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think of our blog
and do share your suggestions.
Do subscribe to our YouTube channel "The Anecdotez" for more useful content.
DISCLAIMER: The Anecdotez team writes about stuff we think
you'll like and may be helpful to people. Considerable time is spent in
curating the correct information and present to you in a simple manner.
Please leave a comment if you think any information is incorrect or
requires a change. We will do the needful if found your suggestion
aligning with our principles.
