Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its first model: the Slate Truck. Priced at $27,500 before incentives and under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits, the truck aims to become the most affordable electric vehicle in the U.S. market. (Wired)
A Radical Departure from Traditional EVs
The Slate Truck—also referred to as the “Blank Slate”—is a minimalist, modular EV designed for simplicity and affordability. Built with a gray polypropylene body (meaning no paint), it lacks common features like a stereo, infotainment system, or power windows. Instead, it includes a dash mount for your smartphone and federally mandated safety features such as automatic emergency braking and a backup camera.
More than 100 accessories are available for DIY upgrades, enabling users to customize their vehicles affordably. (The Verge)
Performance and Specifications
Motor: Single rear-mounted motor, 201 hp, 195 lb-ft torque
Battery Options:
52.7 kWh battery (~150-mile range)
84.3 kWh battery (~240-mile range)
Charging: AC (11 kW) and DC fast charging (120 kW, NACS plug)
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8 seconds
Top Speed: 90 mph
Payload: 1,430 lbs
Towing: 1,000 lbs
Bed Size: 5 feet
(Wired, The Sun)
Customization and DIY Spirit
Slate encourages owners to personalize their vehicle with an accessory marketplace offering:
Power windows and speaker kits
Heated seat covers
Vinyl wraps and decals
A modular kit to convert it into a 5-seat SUV with airbags
A detailed “Builder’s Book” will guide users through installations. (Jalopnik)
Manufacturing and Availability
Design: California
Engineering: Michigan
Production Site: Indianapolis, Indiana
Availability: Production begins in late 2026
Reservations: Open now with a $50 refundable deposit
(Business Insider)
Undercutting the Competition
Compared to other electric pickups, Slate’s pricing is in a league of its own:
Tesla Cybertruck: $82,235
Ford F-150 Lightning: $62,995
Chevrolet Silverado EV: $87,300
GMC Hummer EV: $98,845
Rivian R1T: $69,900
Slate’s value proposition is affordability plus customization—an attractive combo for many first-time EV buyers or urban users.
Company Snapshot
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Slate Auto’s mission is to challenge the status quo by delivering electric vehicles built for real-world budgets. Key investors include Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter, and Thomas Tull.
Watch a quick overview:
Jeff Bezos Backed $20K EV Truck Revealed (YouTube)
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Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Hi, I’m KABIR, a passionate blogger & web story creator dedicated to sharing insightful content on entertainment, sports, trends, science, history etc. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and value, I aim to inform, inspire, and engage readers through every post. Welcome to my corner of the web.