Slate Auto operates as a Michigan startup that received funding from Jeff Bezos to develop the Slate Truck which competes in the affordable electric pickup market segment below $20,000 after federal EV incentives. The basic truck model with manual window operation accepts $50 reservations to serve price-sensitive customers who cannot afford higher-end vehicles.
The U.S. automotive market does not offer affordable truck options because Ford and other manufacturers focus on producing upscale models starting at $28,590 with an average price of $32,862. The Slate Truck uses a skateboard platform to deliver a basic EV with a 52.7 kWh battery pack and 150-mile range and 1,400-pound payload capacity. The single motor provides 201 horsepower which enables the truck to reach 0-60 mph in 8 seconds while performing daily tasks and light cargo duties. The vehicle requires an overnight charge from a household outlet and it can reach 80% capacity in less than 30 minutes when using a DC fast charger.
The Slate Truck features a single-cab short-bed configuration which can convert into a 5-seat SUV through a DIY flat-pack kit that includes a roll cage and airbags and rear seat. The interior design of the vehicle features flat surfaces and synthetic textiles and a phone holder instead of screens but it provides automatic emergency braking and up to eight airbags. The American-made customizable truck from Slate disrupts the industry’s move toward complex designs but the company has not revealed its production schedule.
