Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The battle for affordable electric pickup trucks is well underway in America. In recent years, buyers have been forced to spend massive amounts of money for oversized battery powered vehicles. Now, two exciting new options are arriving with base price tags under $30,000 - the Slate Truck and the Ford Fathom.AutopianPricing and Release DatesIf you want the cheapest electric truck available today, the Slate EV is exactly that. The base model starts at $24,950 and the very first units are expected to reach American customers by the end of 2026. Ford asks for slightly more cash upfront for the Fathom. Prices for the Ford Fathom start at $28,350, but serious patience is required from buyers as preorders will not open until early 2027, as per Reuters. You will absolutely not see one parked in your driveway until the fall of that same year.Performance and Range SpecificationsSlate AutoWhile similar as concepts, these vehicles cater to completely different drivers. The Slate EV offers 205 miles of range from a 63 kWh battery. It generates 181 horsepower and takes a leisurely eight seconds to reach 60 mph, and is offered only as rear-wheel drive.AdvertisementAdvertisementFord has not revealed the exact battery capacity for the base Fathom, but executives confidently claim options will eventually push range to roughly 300 miles. The Ford Fathom is expected to be a quick truck too. This speed advantage makes for an overall more special experience, in addition to making merging and passing easier.Cabin Features and PracticalitySlateThe biggest contrast sits inside the cabin. The Slate EV is ruthlessly basic by design. It features old-school crank windows and zero factory infotainment screens. Drivers must physically mount their own personal smartphones for navigation and media playback. It is also strictly a two-seat regular cab. Ford packs the Fathom with modern technology right from the factory floor. Even the cheapest trim includes a massive touchscreen display, native Apple Maps integration, and standard bidirectional charging capabilities. Crucially, the Fathom launches as a complete four seat crew cab, offering genuine passenger room for average American families.The Final VerdictChoosing between these two electric trucks depends entirely on your daily driving routine. The Slate EV represents a brilliant blank canvas for utility-minded buyers who actively hate digital distractions and want absolute mechanical simplicity. Meanwhile, the Ford Fathom offers traditional creature comforts, impressive acceleration, and modern tech for just a few thousand dollars more. Both models definitively prove that affordable electric pickups are finally a reality.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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