A new player has entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with a bold proposition: an affordable, no-frills electric pickup truck designed for versatility and customization.
Slate Auto, a Troy, Michigan-based startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has unveiled the 2027 Slate Truck EV, aiming to disrupt the EV landscape with its minimalist design and accessible pricing.
A Radical Approach to Electric Mobility
The Slate Truck stands out in a market often dominated by high-priced, feature-laden vehicles.
Priced at approximately $27,000 — and potentially under $20,000 with federal incentives — the Slate Truck offers a back-to-basics approach, focusing on essential functionality and user-driven customization.
Key features include:
- Range Options: A standard 150-mile range, with an optional upgrade to 240 miles.
- Charging: Home charging via a standard household outlet, eliminating the need for specialised equipment.
- Interior: Minimalist design with manual controls, air conditioning, and provisions for smartphone integration in place of traditional infotainment systems.
- Customisation: Over 100 optional accessories, including a modular kit to convert the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV.
Designed for the DIY Enthusiast
Slate Auto emphasises user customisation, offering a “Builder’s Book” to guide owners through various modifications.
The vehicle’s design facilitates easy installation of accessories, allowing owners to tailor the truck to their specific needs.
Notably, the base model comes unpainted, encouraging owners to personalise the exterior with wraps or other finishes.
This approach not only reduces manufacturing costs but also aligns with the company’s ethos of user-driven design.
Manufacturing and Availability
Slate Auto plans to manufacture the truck in the Midwest, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2026.
The company is currently accepting reservations for a refundable $50 deposit, signalling strong consumer interest in an affordable, customisable EV option.
Implications for the UK Market
While Slate Auto’s initial focus is the U.S. market, the emergence of affordable, modular EVs could have significant implications for the UK’s private hire and taxi industry.
The Slate Truck’s customisable nature and cost-effectiveness may appeal to UK operators seeking practical and economical electric vehicles.
As the EV market continues to evolve, the introduction of vehicles like the Slate Truck underscores a shift towards more accessible and adaptable electric transportation solutions.
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