Slate Electric Truck Offers Affordable Utility with Unique Features

Slate Auto is making waves with its new electric truck, designed to combine affordability, practicality, and customization. Priced at around $20,000 after federal incentives, the Slate Truck targets everyday utility rather than heavy-duty towing or cargo hauling, positioning itself as a versatile vehicle for typical consumer needs.

Compared to Ford’s hybrid Maverick and F-150, the Slate Truck offers competitive horsepower (201 hp) and a curb weight of 3,602 lbs. Its max payload of 1,433 lbs and towing capacity of 1,000 lbs are modest but sufficient for many users. The truck features a 5-foot bed and seats two, with an optional SUV kit for additional seating or covered storage.

Manufacturing will take place in a renovated facility in Warsaw, Indiana, aiming to employ 2,000 workers and produce 150,000 vehicles annually. Domestic production supports eligibility for the full $7,500 federal rebate, enhancing affordability for buyers.

One notable design choice is the absence of built-in cellular connectivity. While many modern vehicles use LTE for over-the-air updates and data collection, Slate opts out to protect user privacy and reduce complexity. Instead, software updates are delivered via the Slate smartphone app and transferred to the truck through a USB connection.

Slate does not collect or sell driving data but allows users to opt-in to share vehicle health information, such as check engine alerts, through the app. This approach balances useful diagnostics with privacy concerns.

Preconditioning the vehicle’s interior remotely is limited by the lack of cellular connectivity, but Slate is exploring app-based solutions to enable this feature when the phone is connected directly.

Customization is a core part of Slate’s philosophy. The company plans to support the maker community by providing downloadable 3D models for accessories, enabling users to design and print their own parts. This commitment extends to third-party accessory providers and licensing arrangements, fostering a vibrant ecosystem around the truck.

Slate’s audio system strategy avoids standard DIN slots to offer greater flexibility. Customers can install anything from simple Bluetooth speakers to full audio systems without being confined to factory packages. This DIY-friendly approach encourages personalization but may require some custom enclosures for standard receivers.

The truck does not include advanced active driver assistance systems, focusing instead on delivering a straightforward and engaging driving experience that keeps the driver in control.

Choosing a two-door truck body reduces complexity and cost, while the lockable front trunk offers secure storage akin to a sedan. The optional SUV kit adds versatility for those needing more seating or covered cargo space.

Slate is committed to its $20,000 price point after incentives, with an MSRP around $27,500. Even if incentives change, the company believes its value proposition, safety focus, and customization options will keep it competitive against established models like the Ford Maverick.

Manufacturing is slated to begin in 2026, with Slate seeking local tax abatements to support its Indiana facility. Domestic production also helps mitigate tariff concerns, strengthening the company’s position in the U.S. market.