Slate Auto, a new American electric-vehicle (EV) startup, has unveiled its low-cost, bare-bones two-seat electric pickup truck that buyers can transform into an SUV or fastback body style and has countless personalization options. When production begins in late 2026 at a former printing factory in Indiana, if the federal EV tax credit is still available, it will cost just under $20,000 with the $7,500 subsidy. Even without it, the Slate Truck will start at around $27,000, making it one of the cheapest new models.
Slate is keeping costs down by building the Truck to be as minimalistic as possible. The Slate Truck comes from the factory with unpainted composite body panels to keep it cheap. However, vinyl wraps are available for $500 instead of paint; you can even order it without doors.
The Slate Truck comes with standard roll-down windows, and it does not come with an infotainment or audio system. However, you can add speakers as an accessory if you want. Instead, Slate offers mounts for phones, tablets, and Bluetooth speakers. The digital gauge cluster also serves as the rearview camera display.
Slate’s accessory department allows buyers to customize the Truck to meet their needs, though most of it is do-it-yourself. Kits including a roll cage and airbags are available to convert the Truck into an SUV or fastback SUV with a three-across rear bench seat, along with numerous bumper, lighting, and interior upgrades. A roof rack, spare tire carrier, and even a lift kit make the spartan pickup a little more capable. You can fit sets of 17- or 20-inch wheels with street, all-terrain, or low-profile tires.
Think of the new Slate Truck as a modern 1984 Toyota pickup; it’s about the same size but electric. Behind the single cab is a five-foot bed, and a 7-cubic-foot frunk is under the hood. That provides more storage than the Ford Maverick, but the Slate Truck can only tow half of what the Maverick can. Despite its relatively limited towing capabilities, its 1,433-pound payload capacity is respectable.
Sadly, the Slate EV is rear-wheel drive only, powered by a 52.7-kilowatt-hour battery pack and electric motor that provides 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It tops out at 90 mph. There’s no word on an all-wheel-drive version, and it makes no sense not to offer it. Regardless, Slate is targeting an EPA-estimated range of approximately 150 miles. A larger battery, which will likely be more expensive, will be available as an accessory that adds nearly 100 more miles of range.
The Slate Truck’s sub-$27,500 price tag will make it the most affordable EV on sale, behind today’s cheapest, the Nissan Leaf. It’ll also likely be more affordable than Tesla’s long-awaited cheaper Model Y, which the automaker has delayed until 2026. Other than that, with tax incentives, the Slate Truck will be in the same price range as the cheapest new car on sale today, the Nissan Versa, which starts at just over $20,000. Slate’s upcoming EV should be a big hit if it can deliver on its promises and maintain build quality.
Slate is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of May 1, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Connor Hoffman has been working in the automotive industry since 2018, with experience in both editorial and public relations. He has tested and written about hundreds of cars and helped lead the media launches of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser. Connor started his career at Car and Driver after a summer internship and has contributed to Capital One Auto Navigator, Edmunds, and U.S. News & World Report.
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