Slate a new American EV company backed by Jeff Bezos-with the goal of bringing a cheap U.S.-built truck is coming to the market. The Slate electric truck’s selling price is “under $20,000 after federal incentives,” as per the upstart EV company.
With a motto of “We built it, you make it.” Slate just revealed its launch model and is backed by ex-Amazon execs including, reportedly, Jeff Bezos’ family office. The company just revealed many details about its Truck
Affordable electric pickup
Slate will cost somewhere in the mid-$20,000 range, and it will come in any color you want — as long as it’s slate grey, that is.
As per Slate, the company was founded on the “business model of simplifying the manufacturing process and removing unnecessary content to reduce cost and increase reliability.”
The option-challenged vehicle offers a choice of two battery sizes for the rear-wheel-drive truck: a 52.7-kWh battery pack targeting 150 miles of range and an 84.3-kWh pack with 240 miles of range.
In addition, the Michigan company will offer a massive number of custom parts, vinyl skins, and even a roof to make it an SUV if the customer desires. This is where the “make it” part comes in, because the customers will install these items themselves.
Buyers can also choose to do none of these things and have a cheap, utilitarian pickup.
Slate EV features
The Slate Truck EV features include a two-door, two-seat pickup; the standard comes with rear-wheel-drive via a single electric motor. It has a “range target” of 150 miles on a charge. That electric single motor produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, good enough for a claimed 0-60 mph sprint in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph. Charging is through NACS port, with a maximum charge speed of 120 kW on a compatible DC charging station. Slate claims a 20-80% charge takes under 30 minutes.
“The auto industry has abandoned the working class in America. And what I think is so exciting and different about Slate is that we have taken this stance that we’re going to build cars for working-class America, in America, for Americans,” Jeremy Snyder, Slate’s chief commercial officer, told Yahoo Finance. “It’s just something that’s been lost.”
Slate: the transformer
The minimalist electric truck Slate believes that the ability to change body style wherever you want is what sets them apart from other makers. Though each Slate Truck will be produced in a single configuration, one can buy a “flat-pack accessory SUV kit” to transform the Truck into a five-seat SUV. It’s designed such that an owner could install it themselves, but Slate says it’ll offer a service to have it done for you, too.
There is a choice to select an optional, larger 84.3-kWh pack that targets 240 miles of range on the EPA testing cycle. This can be specified from the factory, but you can also upgrade to the larger pack at a later date.
Bezos-backed EV truck
Slate’s founders are former Amazon Consumer CEO Jeff Wilke and MIT classmate Miles Arnone. The aim for creating Slate electric truck is to provide cheap and efficient transportation for all Americans.
There are several former Amazon execs involved with Slate and one big investor: Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos.
Bezos, through his family office, reportedly holds a passive stake and is not directly involved in the day-to-day business. Snyder said Slate wouldn’t comment on Bezos’s involvement.
Nevertheless, unlike Amazon’s other EV investment, Rivian, Snyder says Slate will be cash flow positive shortly after production, which will begin in late 2026.
Budget electric pickup but safe
According to Slate, it did not compromise on the safety feature. Every Slate Truck is equipped with active emergency braking, forward collision warning and up to eight airbags. Also Slate claims it’s “designed to achieve the highest safety ratings” in crashes.
How do you buy a Slate electric truck?
Prospective customers can put their name on the reservation list starting immediately. There is no dealership one can get direct-to-consumer sales experience. Also can be ordered online, and you’ll be able to take delivery near your home. A reservation for the Slate EV truck will costs $50, which is refundable.
Slate affordable EV truck availability
As per the company, Slate’s first electric truck shall ship to buyers in the Q4 of 2026.
