The electric vehicle market gains a new low-cost contender. Slate, a company founded in 2022 with partial backing from Jeff Bezos, has started taking orders for its electric pickup truck starting at $24,950. With a base price well below the U.S. average of over $50,000 for a new car, the vehicle aims to become the most affordable electric truck in America.
A pickup designed for simplicity and repairability
The base "Blank Slate" model features a single rear-mounted electric motor, a 65 kWh LFP battery pack, and a range of 205 miles, a 37 percent increase over initial estimates. Towing capacity reaches 2,000 pounds, while payload rises to 1,550 pounds. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 8 seconds, top speed is 90 mph. To keep costs down, Slate stripped all frills: no touchscreen (a smartphone clip instead), single gray color molded into composite body panels, manual window cranks. The company promises over 200 accessories, many under $500, including roof racks, stereos, and seat covers. A full vehicle color wrap starts under $500 and can be applied in a few hours.
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LFP battery and 10-year warranty for maximum reliability
The lithium iron phosphate battery and powertrain carry a 10-year or 110,000-mile warranty. Slate reduced component count to less than half that of a typical pickup, simplifying maintenance. In case of breakdown, owners can consult Slate U, a DIY repair guide, or visit one of over 3,000 partnered RepairPal shops. DC fast charging at 120 kW takes the battery from 20 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, while home charging can take up to 17 hours.
Compact dimensions but longer bed than Ford Maverick
At 175 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 69 inches tall, the Slate is smaller than a Ford Maverick but features a 60-inch bed versus the Maverick's 54 inches. Interior space is tight, with 41.5 inches of front legroom and 40.4 inches of headroom. The SUV variants Squareback and Fastback, starting at $29,950, add a second row but offer only 30.8 inches of rear legroom. The vehicle can be ordered as a pickup and later converted to an SUV.
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Production in Indiana and market challenges
Slate will build the truck in Warsaw, Indiana, investing nearly $400 million in a reindustrialized facility. However, Edmunds data shows that less than 5 percent of new vehicles sold in 2025 cost $25,000 or less, down from 21 percent in 2019. Ivan Drury of Edmunds commented: "Slate is making a $25,000 bet that drivers still want something simple. Our data shows the market walked away from that price years ago, so this is a real test of how much affordability still matters." In a landscape where companies like Qualcomm invest billions in new sectors, Slate bets on an essential yet functional vehicle. The 205-mile range is based on Slate's internal EPA estimate, not official certification, and specifications may change before production. First deliveries are expected by year-end. With 180,000 reservations claimed, even converting half would surpass the Tesla Cybertruck's volume. For more on electric pickup trends, see the Wikipedia page on the Ford Maverick.
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Source: https://www.wired.com/story/slate-ev-truck-price-specs-release-date
