Image: Slate AutoFounded in 2022, Slate is a startup that operated in ‘stealth mode’ for three years before publicly unveiling its plans in April 2025. The company’s core ambition is to launch a highly affordable battery-electric pickup, the Slate Truck, which can be customised through a modular concept with various add-on features. This design also allows the two-seater pickup to be converted into a five-seater SUV.Initially, Slate advertised a price tag of under $20,000, which included the US federal incentive for electric vehicles in the form of a $7,500 tax credit. However, this incentive was abolished by the Trump administration. As a result, Slate now quotes a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range. Specifically, prices start at $24,950 for the pickup and $29,950 for the SUV variant, equivalent to approximately €22,000 and €26,400, respectively. Slate markets these competitive prices with the slogan that its vehicles are “built for the millions of hardworking people looking for a vehicle that will adapt to their changing needs without breaking the bank.”Up to 330km of rangeSlate’s flagship model is the two-seater Slate Truck, which, in its base configuration, adopts a no-frills approach: no touchscreens, no speakers, and manually operated windows. The powertrain delivers 135kW of power. The electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and produces 264Nm of torque. The battery is an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) unit with a gross capacity of 65kWh, of which 63kWh is usable. The range is rated at up to 205 miles, equivalent to 330km. The debut model can be charged at up to 11kW AC or 120kW DC, and its charging port supports the NACS plug. The manufacturer states charging times of four hours for AC (Level 2) and 30 minutes for DC fast charging. These specifications apply uniformly across all derivatives. The SUV variant will be offered in two versions: Squareback and Fastback.For pickup drivers who need to transport loads, the payload capacity of the new model is a key consideration: the pickup can carry around 700kg (original specification: 1,550 lb), while the SUV supports 573 kg (1,263 lb). The gross vehicle weight rating is 2.58 tonnes (5,689 lb) for both. Slate lists the vehicle dimensions as 4.43 x 1.79 x 1.72m, with a wheelbase of 2.77m. The height difference between the pickup and SUV is minimal. The pickup bed measures 1.54m in length.Deliveries to begin in Q4With the full vehicle specifications now revealed, the model is available for order, requiring a $300 deposit. The first deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. According to Slate, there are already around 180,000 reservations. However, these are non-binding expressions of interest, which can be secured for a $50 fee. It remains to be seen how many of these reservations will convert into firm orders.Peter Faricy, CEO of Slate, is keen to highlight the number of reservations to underscore the interest in the new budget-friendly model: “More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable, and built around their lives,” Faricy said. “Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalize their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow. We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”Slate combines the spartan base configuration of its vehicles with a marketplace where customers can purchase accessories for customisation. “Add over 200 accessories from the Slate Marketplace, with over 80% under $500—including roof racks, stereos, zip off seat covers, and light covers,” the startup advertises. At launch, over 100 wrap colours will be available, with “full vehicle wraps [costing] under $500. Get it wrapped professionally and affordably in hours, not days.”Slate partners with RepairPal workshopsSlate’s target audience is also characterised by a ‘do-it-yourself’ mentality when it comes to repairs: “You can do most repairs yourself using Slate U as your guide,” the company states. The manufacturer offers a 10-year or 110,000-mile warranty on the battery and drivetrain. For service, Slate initially relies on a network of 3,000 RepairPal workshops across the country, including 100 locations authorised to work on high-voltage components.Investors also believe this package will resonate with customers in the US. Just a few months ago, Slate secured $650 million in a Series C funding round, bringing the total capital raised since its founding to around $1.4bn. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is among the backers. With this new funding, the startup can now commence operations at a plant in Warsaw, Indiana. A total of $400 million will be invested in this facility. In addition to its budget-friendly vehicle strategy, Slate aims to achieve lower production costs than competitors by “simplifying the manufacturing process.”Chris Barman, Slate’s Head of Vehicle Business, recently commented: “For nearly four years, Slate has remained laser-focused on the steps needed to develop our vehicle and reindustrialize our Warsaw Factory, and we will deliver Slate Trucks at nearly half the cost of the average new vehicle – as promised.”prnewswire.com, slate.auto, cnbc.com
