Slate Auto, a new U.S. electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its first truck — a bare-bones, affordable EV aimed at buyers priced out of today's tech-heavy models, according to TechCrunch.
The truck, expected to cost under $20,000 after federal tax credits, skips common features like power windows and infotainment screens. Instead, it offers manual windows, no paint job, and a focus on customization. Slate plans to start deliveries by the end of 2026.
The base model runs on a 52.7-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering about 150 miles of range. An optional larger battery will push the range closer to 240 miles. A single 150-kilowatt motor powers the rear wheels, and the truck charges through the North American Charging Standard, originally developed by Tesla (TSLA, Financials).
Buyers will be able to pick from more than 100 accessories to personalize the truck, from wraps and racks to removable panels that convert it from a pickup to a five-seater SUV. Slate won't offer traditional paint jobs, a move the company said cuts factory costs and avoids heavy regulations around paint facilities.
The vehicle, nicknamed the "Blank Slate," comes with standard federal safety features like airbags, a backup camera, and automatic emergency braking. To help with upgrades, Slate plans to offer DIY installation videos through a content hub called Slate University.
Slate Auto, which has raised over $111 million from investors including Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, is setting up production in Indiana. It employs nearly 400 people and continues to expand its workforce.
While other EV startups like Rivian Automotive (RIVN, Financials) and Lucid Group (LCID, Financials) struggle with high production costs, Slate is betting that simplicity and a lower price will win over American buyers. TechCrunch reported that company executives said their goal is to make electric vehicles "affordable and desirable" without overloading them with technology.
