Slate Auto Reveals $20,000 US-Made Electric Pickup

Slate Auto just unveiled its first electric vehicle. With an estimated price starting at $27,500 (dropping to $20,000 with tax credits), the Slate Truck might become the most affordable EV on the market.

While the price might sound appealing, the Slate pickup is very basic and is missing a few things. The base model, dubbed the “Blank Slate,” has two seats, a small bed, and plastic body panels, and gray is the only color available. While no infotainment system is installed, it does have a phone mount and USB plug. Windows are old-school crank style, and the knobs on the dashboard look archaic compared to modern cars. However, air conditioning is standard.

With a 52.7 kWh battery, the EV can only go about 150 miles before needing a recharge. Though the battery can be expanded to 84.3 kWh, which will improve the range to about 240 miles.

If buyers don’t want to settle for the standard options, the Slate Truck has some customization options. Post-purchase, buyers can get a kit to convert the two-seater into a five-seat SUV.

For those who want something more than gray, there are several wraps and decals available. Interior accents and roughly 100 other accessories will also be available. “Slate access points” come with the vehicle also, which allow for future and even homemade accessory installation.

When you can't pick your best angle so you post them all. pic.twitter.com/cc8fDvJAWu

— Slate Auto (@slateauto) April 25, 2025

Slate Auto Target Market

Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is aiming at a specific target market. Buyers of the Slate pickup prefer basic function and customization options over the electronic- and technology-heavy vehicles found on dealer lots today.

“The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman said in a press release. “Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry. “

The Slate pickup is nearly the exact opposite of anything rival Tesla has on the market. Elon Musk’s EV company prides itself on investing in the latest tech, which many consumers might find either overwhelming or simply unneeded. Plus, Tesla models are still pricey for many consumers’ budgets. The pickup from Slate might just be in the sweet spot to capture that narrow but untapped market of consumers looking for something both stripped down and affordable.

Made in America, the Slate Truck is in preproduction. The final specifications and price of the EV could change once it goes on sale.