Jeff Bezos is backing a new and ambitious startup in the electric vehicle sector—Slate Auto. They’ve introduced a straightforward, modular electric pickup known as the slate truck. Priced at around $20,000 after the federal EV incentive, it offers some surprisingly radical features.
The base version of the slate truck is stripped down, lacking power windows, touchscreens, and a minimalist dashboard, which feels a bit unconventional in today’s market. Nevertheless, it comes with various customization options, allowing transformation into a five-seat SUV.
Slate truck by numbers
The slate truck measures 174.6 inches in length, 70.6 inches in width (excluding mirrors), and stands 69.3 inches tall—more than 20 inches shorter than the Ford Maverick and reminiscent of classic 1985 Toyota pick-ups. With a 108.9-inch wheelbase, it features a 5-foot bed that provides 37 cubic feet of cargo space. The vehicle is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, facilitating a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in about 8 seconds and reaching a top speed close to 90 mph.
Customers can opt for either a standard 52.7 kWh battery with an estimated range of 150 miles or an optional 84.3 kWh battery that can offer up to 240 miles. Charging options are designed to be flexible, featuring an 11 kW onboard AC charger and fast DC charging capabilities of up to 120 kW, allowing a 20% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes. Additionally, the slate truck has a maximum payload of 1,433 pounds and can tow up to 1,000 pounds, proving to be quite practical for daily use.
Safety features include traction control, electronic stability control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warnings with pedestrian detection, and up to eight airbags—all aiming for a 5-star NCAP safety rating. The curb weight is about 3,600 pounds.
Funds and mission
Founded in 2022, Slate Auto has gained investment from Bezos and other notable investors, including Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The venture aims to shake up the EV market by making electric trucks accessible to those on a budget, in stark contrast to the high-priced models dominating the industry.
Slate truck manufacturing strategy
Slate Auto will begin production in a repurposed paper facility in Warsaw, Indiana—a rather unconventional manufacturing strategy. The company hopes its focus on affordability and modularity can carve out a niche in the EV market, perhaps even challenging major players like Tesla and Ford.
Customization options
Customization stands out as a key feature of the slate truck. Starting as a minimalist two-seater, it can be converted into a five-seat SUV through an optional kit that includes a rear seat, roll cage, and airbag. Buyers have access to over 100 accessories, from roof racks to all-terrain tires. The vehicle’s appearance can be altered with various colors and designs, enabling owners to change it up easily, making it feel like a rolling LEGO set for those who value personalization.
When will slate trucks be available?
Reservations for the slate truck are currently open with a refundable $50 deposit, and delivery is expected to start in the latter half of 2026.
Slate Auto’s straightforward approach to constructing accessible and customizable electric pickups might very well shake things up in the EV landscape. By integrating practicality with customization, and with Bezos’s backing, they could redefine the notion of affordable electric vehicles for consumers.
