Slate Truck Emerges as America's Most Affordable Customizable Electric Pickup

Slate, a Michigan-based electric vehicle startup, is shaking up the American EV market with its new offering: the Slate Truck. Priced around $25,000 before federal incentives, this minimalist electric pickup aims to become the most affordable EV in the United States. Backed by investors including Jeff Bezos, Slate takes a novel bottom-up approach by launching a low-cost, practical vehicle rather than a premium flagship model.

Measuring just 174.6 inches in length with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, the Slate Truck is notably smaller than existing compact pickups like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. Despite its compact size, it offers a 4-foot bed and a 7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk), providing practical cargo space. It supports a payload of up to 1,433 pounds, making it suitable for everyday errands, though its 1,000-pound towing capacity is lower than traditional combustion pickups.

Slate’s cost-saving strategy centers on minimalism and customization. The truck comes in a single flat gray color with exposed hardware and basic 17-inch steel wheels. Inside, it features hand-cranked windows and a simple digital instrument cluster, relying on drivers’ smartphones for infotainment and navigation. Safety features include active emergency braking and forward collision warning, balancing simplicity with essential protections.

A standout feature is the DIY SUV conversion kit, which enables owners to transform the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV. Delivered flat-packed, this kit includes rear seats, airbags, and a roll cage, and can be installed at a service center, by a mechanic, or at home. This modular design offers flexibility for users to switch between utility and passenger configurations based on their needs.

Performance-wise, the Slate Truck is equipped with a 150-kilowatt (201 horsepower) rear-wheel-drive motor delivering 195 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 90 mph. The standard 52.7 kWh battery offers up to 150 miles of range, with an optional 84.3 kWh accessory battery extending range to 240 miles. Charging supports Level 2 home charging in about five hours and DC fast charging from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes.

Manufactured in a reindustrialized factory near Indianapolis, Indiana, Slate plans to sell the truck directly to consumers online, accepting refundable $50 deposits. By focusing on affordability, modularity, and practical features, the Slate Truck presents a compelling option for buyers seeking an electric vehicle without premium frills but with real-world usability.

Slate’s approach challenges traditional EV market strategies by prioritizing cost-effectiveness and user customization. This could open new opportunities for affordable electric transportation in the US, especially amid economic uncertainties. The modular SUV conversion kit and accessory battery upgrades highlight a flexible ownership experience that adapts to diverse lifestyle needs.

As the EV landscape evolves, Slate’s innovative model underscores the potential for startups to disrupt with simplicity and practicality. For consumers, it offers an accessible entry point into electric mobility without sacrificing essential functionality or customization options.