- Ultra-Affordable EV: The Slate Pickup starts at just $20,000 after federal tax credits, making it one of the cheapest electric trucks on the market.
- Stripped-Down & Customizable: Comes barebones with no paint options, touchscreen, or power windows—but supports over 100 DIY accessories and upgrades.
- Urban Utility Focus: Offers 150 miles of range (upgradeable to 240 miles), fast charging, and federal safety compliance—all built in the USA.
American EV startup Slate Auto has emerged from stealth mode with a bold proposition: a minimalist electric pickup truck with a starting price of just $20,000 after federal tax credits. Dubbed the Slate Pickup, the vehicle is built entirely in the U.S. and offers an unconventional approach to electric transportation—stripping away the frills in favor of affordability and customization. Designed primarily for urban use, the truck features a modest 150-mile range and a utilitarian build that recalls the spirit of Japan’s compact Kei trucks.
The base model, known as the “Blank Slate,” is delivered in a stark grey with no paint options and a no-nonsense configuration that omits luxuries like power windows, touchscreens, or audio systems. Instead, drivers get manual window cranks, a universal phone mount, and a USB charging port. Built with plastic composite panels and weighing 3,500 pounds, the truck is compact—25 inches shorter than a Ford Maverick—but still capable of hauling full sheets of plywood in its rear bed.
Slate Auto leans heavily into do-it-yourself culture, offering over 100 modular accessories. Buyers can expand seating capacity with SUV conversion kits, or install upgrades like off-road bumpers, lift kits, lighting towers, and even power windows. Customization extends to the cabin, with options for digital displays and speaker systems. The truck is also equipped with dedicated “Slate access points” to accommodate aftermarket or homemade additions.
Performance-wise, the Slate Pickup houses a 52.7 kWh battery powering a 201-horsepower motor. While acceleration is modest—0 to 60 mph in eight seconds—the truck supports 150kW DC fast charging, enabling an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. A larger 84.3 kWh battery upgrade is available, bumping range up to an estimated 240 miles. Despite its budget-friendly setup, the vehicle will meet upcoming federal safety standards, with features like automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera included by default.
Rather than compete with tech-heavy EVs, Slate Auto is targeting a niche of drivers who value function, affordability, and customization over convenience features. The company’s direct-to-consumer model helps keep prices low, and preorders are now open for a refundable $50 deposit. With an entry point that undercuts nearly all current EV offerings, the Slate Pickup could mark a new era of back-to-basics electric vehicles—if enough buyers are ready to embrace the bare minimum.
