Summary (tl;dr)

Slate Auto has officially opened pre-orders for its highly anticipated electric pickup, the Slate Truck, making headlines with its remarkably accessible starting price of $24,950, and aiming to revolutionize the EV market with its focus on affordability and extensive customization options.

Essential Background

Founded in 2022, Slate Auto operated in stealth mode before unveiling its namesake electric vehicle, the Slate, on April 24, 2025. The company's core mission revolves around addressing the rising cost of vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, by offering an affordable and highly customizable option. Backed by significant investments from figures like Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter, Slate Auto quickly garnered attention, with initial refundable reservations for the truck exceeding 100,000 shortly after its reveal.

The Full Story

As of June 24, 2026, Slate Auto has commenced accepting pre-orders for the 2027 Slate Truck, which is priced to start at $24,950. The vehicle stands out for its "Blank Slate" design philosophy, featuring a stripped-down interior devoid of infotainment screens and power windows, and a plain, unpainted gray composite body that can be customized with various accessories and vinyl wraps. The rear-wheel-drive electric pickup is equipped with a 63-65 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of 205 miles, and delivers 181 horsepower. Concurrently, Slate Auto announced the successful completion of a $650 million Series C investment round, bringing its total capital raised to $1.3 billion. Deliveries of the Slate Truck are projected to commence in late 2026, with full production scaling up throughout 2027.

Why It Matters

The Slate Truck's launch is particularly significant due to its aggressive sub-$25,000 price point, positioning it as one of the most affordable new trucks and electric vehicles available in the United States. This affordability aims to counteract the recent cooling of EV demand, which has been partly attributed to high vehicle costs. The company's commitment to a "bare-bones" and highly customizable design challenges conventional automotive industry practices, providing owners with unprecedented control over their vehicle's features and even enabling DIY repairs. This approach represents a strategic effort to appeal to EV skeptics and those seeking a practical, no-frills alternative in the electric pickup segment. Furthermore, Slate Auto emphasizes its dedication to American manufacturing, aiming to generate new jobs in the Midwest.

Geographic Location

• Warsaw, Kosciusko County, Indiana, United States (vehicle assembly plant)
• Troy, Oakland County, Michigan, United States (company headquarters and engineering)
• Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, United States (initial design studio location)
• Carson, Los Angeles County, California, United States (new design center location)