Slate has claimed that it is solely focused on one vehicle. “We’re all about doing one thing really well,” said the company
Slate Auto, a Michigan-based electric vehicle (EV) startup backed by high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter, and Thomas Tull, is making waves in the auto industry by unveiling the Slate Truck—an affordable, customizable electric pickup aimed at the mainstream market. With a starting price under $27,500, and a post-incentive cost expected to fall below $20,000, Slate Auto is positioning itself as a practical, no-frills EV alternative for American drivers.
Who Is Slate Auto?
Founded in 2022, Slate Auto was originally known as Re:Car under the Re:Build Manufacturing umbrella. The company has since rebranded and evolved, pulling in top talent from industry giants like Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and Harley-Davidson. With over $700 million in funding, including a $111 million Series A round, Slate Auto is quickly becoming one of the most ambitious players in the affordable EV space.
What Makes the Slate Truck Unique?
The Slate Truck is designed to serve as a modular, back-to-basics electric pickup, built with simplicity and functionality at its core. Key specifications include:
- Body Style: Available as a two-door pickup; a modular kit allows conversion into a five-seat SUV.
- Motor & Performance: Single rear motor with around 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque; rear-wheel drive; 0–60 mph in approximately 8 seconds.
- Battery Options:
- 52.7 kWh: Estimated 150 miles range
- 84.3 kWh: Estimated 240 miles range
- Charging: NACS DC fast charging up to 120 kW (20–80% in ~30 minutes); 11 kW AC onboard charger.
- Towing & Payload: Up to 1,000 lb towing capacity and 1,400 lb payload.
- Design Features:
- Manual windows
- Plastic body panels (no need for paint)
- Basic HVAC system
- Dashboard mounts for user-supplied smartphone or tablet instead of a traditional infotainment screen
- Optional accessories include heated seats, power windows, vinyl wraps, bed caps, roof racks, and more
The Slate Truck’s design is intentionally stripped down, reducing production costs and offering buyers the ability to customize their vehicle over time—similar to building with LEGO blocks.
Consumer Demand & Reservations
Slate Auto has already received over 100,000 refundable reservations, requiring just a $50 deposit, signaling massive demand for affordable EV pickups. The Slate Truck is being dubbed the “anti-Cybertruck” for its practical, utilitarian design, standing in stark contrast to Tesla’s futuristic aesthetic and premium price point.
Manufacturing & Rollout Plans
Slate Auto is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, with engineering operations also in Long Beach, California. The company plans to begin manufacturing in late 2026 at a former printing facility in Warsaw, Indiana. This 1.4 million-square-foot plant is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually and create over 2,000 jobs in its initial phase.
By focusing on domestic production and simplified vehicle architecture, Slate aims to keep prices low while reducing dependence on foreign supply chains—a growing concern in the EV sector.
Why It Matters
Slate Auto is attempting to solve one of the EV industry’s most persistent problems: affordability. While major players continue to target the luxury and performance markets, Slate is focused on the entry-level and working-class consumer. Its modular platform allows buyers to start simple and add features as needed, providing flexibility and long-term value.
This approach also puts Slate in direct competition with legacy brands and startups alike, including Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Tesla’s Cybertruck, and Rivian’s R2—though at a fraction of the price.
Final Thoughts
Slate Auto’s mission is ambitious but refreshingly grounded: make electric trucks accessible to the masses. With strong investor backing, a practical design philosophy, and early consumer interest, the company is well-positioned to become a disruptor in the EV market. Whether it can deliver on its promises by 2026 remains to be seen—but if it does, it may very well reshape the future of electric mobility in America.
Let me know if you’d like a side-by-side comparison of the Slate Truck versus competitors like the Cybertruck, Rivian R2, or Ford Maverick.
Photo Credit: Slate Auto
Follow us for latest updates:
