Slate Auto to Build $20K Barebones Electric Truck in Indiana Factory

Slate Auto has officially confirmed that it will manufacture its highly anticipated $20,000 electric Truck in a retrofitted 1.4 million square foot factory located in Warsaw, Indiana. This facility, formerly a printing press, will be transformed to support the production of a radically simplified electric vehicle designed to be affordable and functional.

The Truck is a barebones EV that offers approximately 150 miles of range and intentionally omits common features such as a touchscreen, radio, power windows, and even paint. These design choices are strategic, allowing Slate Auto to avoid expensive manufacturing processes like metal stamping and paint shops, which significantly reduce production complexity and costs.

The Indiana factory, formerly operated by R.R. Donnelley and closed in 2023, will be repurposed to produce up to 150,000 Trucks annually by Q4 2026. This transition is expected to create around 2,000 new jobs, revitalizing the local economy. Slate Auto plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in renovations to prepare the facility for production.

Slate Auto emphasizes its commitment to domestic manufacturing and supply chains. The Truck is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the U.S., with the majority of its components sourced from American suppliers. This approach not only supports local industry but also mitigates risks associated with global trade tensions.

Compared to Tesla’s Fremont factory, which produces over 650,000 vehicles annually, Slate’s facility is smaller but aims for rapid scale-up thanks to its simplified manufacturing process. By eliminating complex steps like painting and metal stamping, Slate Auto hopes to accelerate production timelines and reduce overhead costs, making affordable EV ownership more accessible.

Broader Significance and Industry Impact

Slate Auto’s approach highlights a new paradigm in electric vehicle manufacturing focused on affordability, simplicity, and domestic production. By stripping down the vehicle to essential features and leveraging innovative materials like plastic body panels, the company challenges traditional automotive manufacturing norms. This could inspire other manufacturers to rethink cost structures and supply chains, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical uncertainties and the push for sustainable transportation.

The repurposing of existing industrial infrastructure also demonstrates a sustainable approach to manufacturing expansion, reducing the need for new construction and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, the creation of thousands of jobs in a region affected by factory closures underscores the social benefits of such initiatives.

As the EV market grows increasingly competitive, Slate Auto’s model may serve as a blueprint for balancing cost, efficiency, and domestic economic development. Its success could accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by making them more accessible to a broader audience, thereby advancing the transition to cleaner transportation.