A company reportedly backed by Jeff Bezos will offer a bare bones electric pickup truck that can sell at $20,000 (after tax rebate), making it one of the cheapest EVs announced.
The truck, by Slate Auto, lacks features such as a radio/touchscreen, something the aftermarket might want to note.
The “Slate Pickup” entry level model (called the “Blank Slate”) offers two seats, grey only (no paint), and a truck bed large enough to hold a sheet of plywood. There’s no power windows, and only 150 mile range. The truck is also small, about 25 inches shorter than a Ford Maverick.
Instead of an infotainment system, there’s only a universal phone mount with USB power.
Then users can add options from a selection of 100 accessories, including an accessory bracket that can hold a large tablet for your screen. There’s an option for a holder for a portable Bluetooth speaker and users can buy accessory speakers.
Slate Auto also offers a steering wheel controller to control your connected devices.
Slate adds, “Built-in infotainment systems raise a car’s price, and they become outdated quickly and have high failure rates.”
Buyers may also add more seats with an ‘SUV kit.’ More range can be added with a battery pack for up to 240 mile range. Other options include color wraps, a lift kit, etc.
The trucks will be built in the US (at an unspecified location in the Midwest, says the website). Production begins in late 2026.
The company is now taking $50 deposits to reserve a truck.
Source: Slate Auto via Engadget, InsideEVs
I’m very excited for this thing! Hopefully the price stays low and it actually comes to market. Love the concept.
The new slate trucks are actually pretty low-tech compared to what a lot of people expected, and that’s a huge win for the 12V industry. Since theses aren’t overloaded with crazy tech, it leaves a lot more room for custom upgrades without fighting a million sensors or locked software. Audio upgrades are going to be big — people will definitely want good sound, and it’ll be easier to drop in new subs, amps, and speakers without all the crazy integration headaches. This may be a huge market since the price of these trucks is expected around $20,000. Start building your research now so as the trucks hit the market, you’ll have an arsenal tools at your disposal!
LOOKS LIKE A THROWBACK S10. DOES METRA HAVE A KIT FOR THAT? OPTIONS, OPTIONS, OPTIONS.
Does a $50 deposit seem a bit low to be legit? Feels a bit scammy…