I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at Slate’s debut vehicle in Los Angeles. The unveiling revealed a charming, compact, two-seat pickup truck with a clean, boxy aesthetic. Its potential affordability, with a price tag under $20,000 after federal incentives, immediately caught my attention, especially in the electric vehicle market. However, the truly remarkable aspect of Slate’s design became clear as the event progressed: this pickup could transform into a five-passenger SUV. This article delves into how Slate aims to revolutionize vehicle customization and affordability.
Slate, an American EV company, is making its mark by addressing what it sees as critical gaps in the current automotive market: affordability and customizability. The Slate truck, slated for release in late 2026, is designed with a minimalist approach to keep costs down. Think crank windows, no radio, and steel wheels – a deliberate choice to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible. But the real innovation lies in Slate’s vision for customization. They plan to offer a wide array of upgrades, allowing owners to tailor their vehicles to their specific needs and preferences. This includes, most notably, a kit that transforms the pickup into a five-passenger SUV, offering unparalleled versatility.
An intriguing aspect of Slate’s SUV kit is its impact on the vehicle’s range. According to Eric Keipper, Slate’s head of engineering, installing the SUV kit can actually increase the vehicle’s range. This might seem counterintuitive, given that the kit adds weight. The standard Slate battery pack is projected to offer a range of 150 miles, with an optional larger battery extending it to 240 miles. Keipper explained that the improved aerodynamics of the SUV configuration more than compensate for the added weight. While the seats, structure, and roof of the SUV increase energy consumption due to the added mass, the streamlined shape allows the vehicle to move through the air more efficiently. The result is a “small percentage” increase in driving range when the SUV kit is installed. This is summarized in the table below.
| Configuration | Battery Pack | Projected Range |
|---|---|---|
| Truck | Standard | 150 miles |
| Truck | Optional (Larger) | 240 miles |
| SUV (with Kit) | Standard | 150+ miles |
| SUV (with Kit) | Optional (Larger) | 240+ miles |
Slate offers two distinct SUV kits, catering to different aesthetic preferences. One kit features a boxy design reminiscent of a miniature Land Rover Defender, especially when equipped with an optional spare tire holder. The other kit sports a more streamlined, fastback silhouette. Both kits offer the option to skip the roof installation, resulting in an open-top SUV configuration. Slate emphasizes the DIY-friendliness of the kit, estimating that owners can complete the installation in just a few hours. To support this, they are developing “Slate University,” a content library providing step-by-step guidance for accessory installations. For those who prefer professional assistance, Slate will also offer installation services through a network of “service partners.”
The SUV kit is delivered flat-packed and includes a roll cage with integrated airbags. The additional seats are bolted onto a structure beneath the truck bed. The kit also includes a roof to enclose the space, and the partition between the cab and bed is removed. The truck’s rear glass is then repurposed as the SUV’s back window. During my visit, I observed a team of Slate employees completing the conversion in approximately one hour, demonstrating the kit’s ease of installation.
As the SUV I examined was a design prototype, some minor fitment issues were present. However, the overall integration of the SUV kit appeared seamless, avoiding the look of a simple camper shell addition. Accessing the back row requires a bit of maneuvering, as the SUV retains the original two-door configuration. Legroom in the back was limited, and the low seat positioning resulted in a somewhat cramped seating posture, at least for someone of my height (6 feet 1 inch). However, this is a compact vehicle, and the rear seating should be adequate for children, which is likely the primary use case for most owners. Headroom, thanks to the SUV’s boxy design, was plentiful. Slate may consider raising the rear seats slightly before finalizing the design to improve comfort.
The cargo area, while gaining a roof, experiences a reduction in utility. The roll cage of the SUV kit is bolted to the sides of the truck bed, adjacent to the wheel wells, which reduces the available width. The presence of this hardware also creates a somewhat awkward shape in the cargo area.
The burning question, of course, is pricing. Slate has yet to announce the cost of its accessories, including the SUV conversion kits. This figure will be crucial in determining whether Slate’s transforming SUV is a worthwhile investment or merely a novel concept. The affordability of the base truck, combined with the potential for customization, positions Slate as a potentially disruptive force in the EV market. However, the ultimate value proposition hinges on the pricing strategy for these enhancements.
