Slate Auto is the new kid on the EV block, but it’s already making waves by doing things differently. Founded in 2022 and backed by some big names—including Jeff Bezos—Slate is based in Michigan and is all about bringing a simple, affordable, and customizable electric truck to the masses.
Their first vehicle, simply called the Slate Truck, isn’t packed with gimmicks or over-the-top tech. It’s a no-nonsense, two-seater electric pickup that you can actually afford. The entry-level model is expected to start around $20,000 to $25,000, undercutting pretty much every other EV truck on the market. For that price, you get a 150-mile range with the standard battery, or you can upgrade to a bigger pack for up to 240 miles. Power is modest—about 200 horsepower—and the truck focuses on utility, not drag racing.
What really sets Slate apart is how much you can make the truck your own. The base model comes in just one color and with only the essentials—crank windows, basic HVAC, and you bring your own device for navigation and music. But you can add over 100 different accessories, from extra seats to SUV conversions, whenever you want. It’s designed to be endlessly customizable, so you only pay for what you’ll actually use
Slate’s whole philosophy is about radical simplicity and keeping costs low. There’s no fancy paint shop or expensive body stamping; the truck’s composite panels come in a single gray color, saving hundreds of millions in production costs. They’re also proud to be building the trucks in the Midwest, bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US.
When EVs are promising the moon, Slate is going back to basics—an affordable, hardworking electric truck that you can make your own, without all the fluff. If you want a practical, American-made EV that’s easy to live with and easy on your wallet, Slate is one to watch.