Slate Auto Launches $24,950 Electric Pickup, Targets DIY Repairs and Customization

Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, opened preorders on June 24 for its Slate Truck, a compact two-door pickup starting at $24,950. The company also announced a $29,950 SUV variant and said first deliveries from its Indiana plant are expected by the end of 2026.

According to Slate, more than 180,000 people placed $50 reservations before the official launch. Preorder customers now pay a $300 deposit plus an additional $250 to secure a build slot. The base truck comes with a 65-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a manufacturer-estimated range of 205 miles, a 37% increase from the prototype's 150-mile estimate.

Specifications and Service Strategy

The Slate Truck is 14.5 feet long with two doors and a bed just under five feet. It seats two passengers in the base configuration; the SUV package adds rear seats. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle accelerates to 60 mph in about eight seconds and can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Ground clearance is closer to a Honda CR-V than a traditional off-road truck.

Charging uses an NACS port with an 11-kW onboard charger. Slate says a Level 2 charger can replenish the battery from 20% to 100% in four hours, while DC fast charging achieves 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. A standard household outlet can fully recharge the vehicle in less than 24 hours.

• Only factory color is slate; accessories include seat covers, roof racks, wraps, and a stereo.
• Slate Marketplace offers more than 200 accessories, with at least 80% priced under $500.
• Service is handled through RepairPal's network of independent shops, with 100 locations equipped for high-voltage EV repairs. Owners are expected to perform many repairs themselves using company-provided instructions.

Market Context and Challenges

The launch comes as federal EV tax credits have ended, pushing automakers to cut prices on sub-$40,000 models. Slate's $24,950 truck undercuts rivals like the 2027 Chevy Bolt, which costs several thousand dollars more despite comparable range. Ford plans to release a compact electric pickup next year.

Slate's minimalist design and repair model draw comparisons to early automotive approaches but also limit practicality. The two-door configuration makes child seats and multiple passengers difficult, and the truck lacks all-wheel drive. Whether buyers accept these tradeoffs for an affordable EV remains uncertain. Slate expects the first vehicles to reach customers before the end of 2026.