Slate Auto Unveils Affordable EV Pickup with Jeff Bezos' Support: Vintage Style, Just $25K

Posted by The News Pulse April 24, 2025 Post a Comment

Slate Auto has recently unveiled an entirely electric pickup truck with a base price of approximately $25,000, which could drop below $20,000 after accounting for current federal tax breaks. It will provide comprehensive personalization options and is anticipated to leverage the promotional power of Jeff Bezos' Amazon.

Following an eight-fold increase from 2019 to 2023, the growth rate of electric vehicle sales has significantly decelerated over the last 18 months. Many industry observers attribute this slowdown largely to the exorbitant costs of EVs.

Typically, electric vehicle purchasers end up spending around $55,000 once you account for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), additional features, and available incentives. as per McKinsey & Co Even what are considered more "budget-friendly" items nowadays usually fall within the $30,000 to $40,000 price bracket.

"The concept of affordability is flawed," stated Chris Barman, a previous executive at Fiat Chrysler and current CEO of EV start-up Slate. Asserting that established companies have "overlooked" customer requirements, Barman has spearheaded a initiative to develop a range of battery-powered electric cars that are both budget-friendly and extensively customizable.

"Slate is an innovative truck platform offering such extensive customization options that it can change from a 2-seater pickup into a 5-seater SUV," Barman stated before the unveiling event for the new brand.

Introducing Electric Vehicles to the General Public

What will it take to initiate another significant increase in electric vehicle sales? According to Phillip Kampshoff, co-founder of McKinsey’s Center for Future Mobility, 'The key factor is selling affordable electric vehicles.'

Well-known companies such as Hyundai, Volkswagen, and General Motors have focused on reducing electric vehicle costs. Ford discontinued multiple luxury initiatives. launching a “skunkworks” Specifically aimed at "budget-friendly" battery-electric models. However, these initiatives have proven difficult.

Tesla plans to introduce its initial "budget-friendly" version in June Following several years of delays, the vehicle often called the "Model Q" is anticipated to be priced around $30,000.

Slate is expected to cost approximately $25,000, potentially falling under $20,000 for qualifying buyers eligible for federal electric vehicle tax incentives. This projection assumes these credits stay intact, despite President Donald Trump indicating his intention to eliminate them.

What’s a Slate Auto?

On its LinkedIn page Slate sets out with the aim of "investigating possibilities within the realm of electric vehicles." Following extensive speculations, its plans are now unveiled.

The new company's initial offering is touted in press materials as "a sleekly designed electric two-seater truck, manufactured in only one version directly from the assembly line." It spans a compact 174.6 inches overall with an axis of 108.9 inches between wheels. This makes it more diminutive compared to a Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz — Both featuring two rows and four doors. The frame will be made of steel, whereas the body panels will consist of injection polypropylene — a high-strength plastic.

In many ways, the Slate pickup is decidedly retro, picking up on the gas-powered compact pickups that were wildly popular among young, first-time Baby Boom buyers back in the 1960s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s. We’re talking steel wheels, classic climate control knobs, and crank windows.

While it isn’t completely old-school, featuring an electric drivetrain and digital dashboard, you won’t find a built-in infotainment screen here. Instead, simply place your smartphone or tablet into a holder located on the instrument panel for all your connectivity needs.

A Real-World Transformer

Although it won't transform into a massive robot, the car manufacturer claims that the pickup truck serves as, to use an oft-repeated joke, a "clean canvas." Customers will have the option to convert their electric vehicle into numerous different configurations using over 100 accessories set for release initially.

A single accessory kit can convert the pickup truck into a stylish, five-passenger SUV, equipped with features such as a rear seat, airbags, and a roll cage. At release, there will be two types of SUV body kits offered; however, none will come pre-installed directly from the manufacturer. These modifications must instead be installed by consumers themselves, potentially opening up opportunities for third-party businesses specializing in these conversions.

Additionally, there will be three "tiers" of vehicle wrapping available, allowing customers to apply them, remove them, and switch to a different design to stay stylish.

Despite being equipped with just the standard pickup setup, the Slate model comes with eight airbags along with various sophisticated driving aid technologies such as Active Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning.

Slate Auto Powertrain

The Slate EV offers options for the powertrain as well. It features only a rear-wheel drive setup with a single motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, capable of managing a load weighing up to 1,400 pounds.

However, Slate will provide either a 52.7 kWh battery pack offering up to 150 miles per charge, or an additional 84.3 kWh battery option, which increases the range to approximately 240 miles.

The system will feature a Tesla-style NACS charging port, significantly increasing the number of accessible public chargers. Charging overnight at home with a standard 240V setup will fully replenish the battery, however, Slate reports that owners can achieve an 80% charge level from a mere 10% using a public DC fast-charging station within approximately half an hour.

Who Will Buy a Slate Pickup?

That's the million-dollar question. According to Kampshoff from McKinsey, he believes that the electric vehicle market will surge as soon as reliable models priced around the mid-$20,000 become more commonplace.

Sam Fiorani, the lead analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, expresses some doubts regarding the expansion of the entire electric vehicle (EV) market. He also casts doubt on whether Slate has discovered the ideal approach. According to him, one factor behind why small pickup trucks from around half a century ago gradually disappeared was their restricted functionality. "Customers began seeking the convenience provided by rear seats and doors," he noted.

Fiorani warned that Slate encounters a dilemma when aiming at younger consumers; although these potential customers might desire electric vehicles, many lack access to personal homes equipped with chargers. He pointed out that relying on public charging incurs greater expenses, which diminishes one of the primary benefits of owning an EV.

Slate Auto: Order Placement & AvailABILITY

Search for the initial production of Slate Autos' pickup trucks at their new facility in Indiana beginning in late 2026. Customers have the opportunity to reserve theirs today by submitting a fully refundable $50 deposit. Slate.auto .

The car manufacturer is establishing new experience centers where prospective customers can test drive vehicles. However, although specific plans have not been unveiled, the firm is anticipated to collaborate with Amazon, the e-commerce behemoth headed by Jeff Bezos. One of Slate’s main supporters Keep an eye out for further information about that relationship in the coming months.