Slate Truck Aims for Radical Simplicity and Affordability

The 2027 Slate Truck is an upcoming electric pickup (and SUV!) from Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup backed by Jeff Bezos. Designed with radical simplicity and affordability in mind, the Slate Truck aims to be one of the most budget-friendly EVs on the market.

Minimalist Design and Features

Slate Auto has stripped the Slate Truck down to its essentials to achieve a low starting price of around $27,000, which could drop below $20,000 with federal EV incentives. The vehicle features manual windows, physical climate controls, and lacks a traditional infotainment system. Instead, drivers can use their smartphones for navigation and entertainment, with optional mounts available for tablets and soundbars.

The exterior comes in an unpainted gray polypropylene finish, with vinyl wraps offered for those seeking color customization. Inside, the cabin maintains a monochrome palette with fabric armrests and exposed metallic details.

Performance and Customization

Powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, the Slate Truck offers two battery options:

• A 52.7 kWh battery providing an estimated 150 miles of range.
• An 84.3 kWh battery extending the range to approximately 240 miles.

The vehicle supports AC charging at 11 kW and DC fast charging at 120 kW, using the NACS connector.

Slate Auto offers a range of accessories, allowing owners to convert the two-seat pickup into a five-passenger SUV with either a traditional squared-off roof or a fastback design.

Manufacturing and Availability

The Slate Truck is designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan, and will be assembled in Indiana. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026. Interested buyers can reserve a vehicle online with a $50 deposit.

THE TAKEAWAY

There’s never been an auto company that offers limitless personalization at such a cheap price, let alone in an EV. If Slate is successful, it could rewrite the rules of auto manufacturing and design forever.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, Slate Auto, ChatGPT