The electric vehicle market is about to get a shakeup, thanks to Slate. This new automaker isn’t just presenting a concept; they’re offering a tangible, functional, and potentially affordable electric truck. After two years of quiet development, Slate unveiled a small, barebones EV truck that cleverly converts into a five-seater SUV with a bolt-on kit. What sets Slate apart is the presence of working prototypes at their reveal – a rarity among EV startups often plagued by vaporware. The headline? A projected starting price under $20,000 after EV tax incentives, challenging the status quo of EV affordability.
With the average new car costing significantly more, Slate’s proposition is undeniably compelling. This affordability led me to jump on the opportunity and reserve one with a refundable $50 deposit as soon as reservations opened. Soon after, Slate’s website launched its configurator, allowing potential buyers to explore the myriad customization options. The possibilities are extensive, and I’m excited to share my personal configuration with you.
My approach to configuring the Slate EV truck was simple: keep it basic. The appeal lies in having an affordable, no-frills truck. Slate offers a vast array of aesthetic customizations, from grilles and bumpers to fender flares, stripes, and interior accent colors. However, I opted to maintain a stock exterior, focusing only on color and wheels to add a touch of personal style.
I chose the “Snow Dog” partial wrap, featuring silver sides and a colored upper half. The “Blue Steel” color option caught my eye, but Slate offers 12 different colors, with the possibility of a custom shade for an additional fee. The two-tone design evokes a nostalgic 1980s vibe, which I believe was the intended effect.
The standard steel wheels were replaced with 17-inch silver aluminum rims and all-terrain tires. This upgrade necessitated selecting the higher ride height option, although a lowered suspension is also available. While 20-inch wheels are offered, they seemed excessive for this particular vehicle. Additional options like running boards, a roof rack, taillight variations, bumpers, stripes, badges, and a spare tire carrier were tempting, but I resisted, sticking to the minimalist theme.
Inside, the Slate EV truck is as basic as it gets. Forget power windows or a stereo – this is back-to-basics motoring. To address the entertainment and navigation needs, I added the larger tablet holder, providing a sufficiently sized touchscreen. While Slate offers built-in dash speakers, I selected the Bluetooth speaker holder. I prefer the simplicity of a Bluetooth speaker connected to Spotify over complex, multi-speaker systems.
I also decided to keep the manual crank windows. While power windows would be a welcome addition, I’m wary of a potentially high price tag. Similarly, there are numerous aesthetic color choices for the interior trim. Options like a center console (which I included) and a sunglasses holder add a touch of practicality and personalization without breaking the bank.
Slate’s configurator certainly lives up to its promise of allowing you to create a unique vehicle. The SUV bolt-on kits, featuring either a square or fastback roof and a back seat, add another layer of customization. However, the absence of listed prices for these options raises concerns.
The allure of a sub-$20,000 pickup with crank windows, vinyl floors, and no stereo is undeniable. But, if adding a few personal touches inflates the price to $30,000 while retaining the basic features, the value proposition diminishes significantly. The key to Slate’s success lies in maintaining affordability even with some level of personalization.
Another crucial factor is the battery upgrade. The base Slate comes with a 52.7-kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 150 miles. An optional 84.3-kWh battery extends the range to approximately 240 miles. Given my rural location, the larger battery is highly desirable. However, if the upgrade pushes the price beyond a reasonable threshold, the entire deal becomes less appealing. The final price, including options and battery choice, will determine whether Slate can truly disrupt the EV market.
Slate is targeting a production launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. As more details emerge, we’ll be closely monitoring the pricing and options to see if the Slate EV truck can deliver on its promise of affordable, customizable electric mobility. The potential is there, but the execution on pricing will be critical.
| Feature | Base Model | Upgraded Model |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 52.7 kWh | 84.3 kWh |
| Estimated Range | 150 miles | 240 miles |
| Windows | Manual Crank | Manual Crank (Optional Power Windows – Price TBD) |
| Stereo | None (Bluetooth Speaker Holder Available) | None (Bluetooth Speaker Holder Available) |
| Flooring | Vinyl | Vinyl |
