Michigan-based startup Slate Auto has revealed its minimalist electric pickup truck designed to retail below $20,000 after federal incentives. The vehicle, developed with partial funding from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. With missing modern amenities like power windows and infotainment systems, they target to achieve unprecedented affordability in the EV market.
THIS TRUCK CAN BE ANYTHING.
EVEN AN SUV.
The company made its public debut Thursday night at an event in Long Beach, California, showcasing a vehicle that CEO Chris Barman describes as “a blank canvas for personalization.” The base model features unpainted composite body panels, manual crank windows, and a dashboard consisting solely of climate control knobs and a phone mount. Buyers can wrap the vehicle in custom colors or upgrade to over 100 factory-approved accessories, including seat configurations that transform the two-seat pickup into a five-passenger SUV.
Slate’s engineering approach mirrors its Spartan design philosophy. By eliminating paint shops through composite body panels and using a single chassis configuration, the company claims to have saved $350-$500 million in production costs. This enables pricing that undercuts every new EV currently available in America, including the $30,000 Nissan Leaf.
The truck will offer two battery options: a 52.7-kWh pack with 150-mile range and an 84.3-kWh extended-range version rated for 240 miles.
Specs and Performance: What’s Under the Hood
The Slate Truck’s specifications focus on practicality and affordability. The base model features a 150 kW (about 200 horsepower) electric motor powering the rear wheels, riding on standard 17-inch wheels with a 5-foot bed.
Two battery options are available: a 52.7 kWh pack for approximately 150 miles of range, or an optional larger 84 kWh pack offering about 240 miles. Charging will use the Tesla-compatible North American Charging Standard, allowing for fast charging capability.
Dimensionally, the Slate Truck is compact, measuring 174.6 inches long with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, making it similar in size to a 1980s compact pickup. It stands 69.3 inches tall and 70.6 inches wide, significantly smaller than today’s full-size trucks. Despite its size, it boasts a 1,400-pound payload capacity and can tow up to 1,000 pounds – enough for most light-duty tasks. It also features a 7.0-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk), complete with a drain plug, perfect for tailgating or storing gear.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Slate Truck | Ford Maverick (for reference) | 1984 Toyota Pickup (for reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.6 inches | 199.7 inches | 174.6 inches |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 inches | 121.1 inches | 103.0 inches |
| Height | 69.3 inches | About 70 inches | 60.1 inches |
| Bed Length | 5 feet | 4.5 feet | 6.25 feet |
| Payload Capacity | 1,400 pounds | 1,500 pounds | 1,000+ pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 pounds | 1,500 pounds | 1,000+ pounds |
| Estimated Range | 150–240 miles | 250–400 miles (varies by model) | N/A (gas-powered) |
While its towing and payload numbers aren’t meant to challenge full-size trucks, the Slate Truck is ideal for city driving, light hauling, and those who appreciate compact versatility.
The project originated within Re:Build Manufacturing, an industrial incubator chaired by former Amazon retail CEO Jeff Wilke. Corporate filings reveal Bezos’ involvement through his family office, with $111 million raised in a 2023 Series A round that included Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. Production is slated for a Midwestern facility, likely in Indiana, leveraging U.S.-made components to avoid recent import tariffs.
Industry analysts note the truck’s specifications position it against gasoline-powered compact pickups like the Ford Maverick ($27,000), while offering substantially lower operating costs. With 201 horsepower and 1,430-pound payload capacity, the Slate truck prioritizes utility over performance-its 8-second 0-60 mph acceleration trails most modern EVs but matches entry-level combustion engines.
The timing appears counterintuitive amid an EV market slowdown, but Slate executives argue they’re targeting an underserved demographic. “We’re creating for people who need basic transportation, not rolling smartphones,” said Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder during the unveiling. Early adopters can reserve vehicles with a $50 refundable deposit, though deliveries won’t begin until Q4 2026.
Critics question whether the stripped-down approach will resonate in a market accustomed to tech-heavy vehicles. The lack of standard safety features beyond airbags and collision warnings contrasts sharply with Tesla’s Autopilot-equipped models. However, Slate’s partnership with automotive veterans-including executives from Stellantis and Harley-Davidson-suggests deep understanding of modular vehicle platforms.
As automakers increasingly abandon affordable segments, Slate’s bare-bones strategy could either revolutionize mass-market EV adoption or become a cautionary tale. With Bezos’ financial backing and a production plan avoiding legacy automakers’ unionized workforces, this startup bears watching as it approaches its 2026 launch deadline.
