Slate Auto has unveiled a radically minimalist electric vehicle platform that ships as a two-door pickup and converts into a five-seat SUV, and the deliberately bare Slate SUV interior is a big part of the story. Priced to land around the 20,000 dollar mark after incentives, the Slate strips the cabin back to a phone mount instead of a built-in infotainment screen, turning the vehicle into a blank canvas that owners personalize themselves.
What is the Slate truck base price and what do you get?
The Slate launches as a simple two-door electric pickup with essential safety features, a lithium-ion battery, and a 201-horsepower rear-mounted motor. The no-frills approach is the point: keep the base price accessible, then let buyers add what they want. As Slate Auto frames it, this is a customizable EV built around the owner rather than a fixed options list, which is why the minimalist Slate SUV interior leans on a phone for navigation and media.
How far can the Slate electric truck go?
The Slate pickup rides on a compact 102-inch wheelbase, aiming at the efficient small-truck niche once held by classics like the Datsun 620 while taking on modern rivals like the Ford Maverick. The standard 52.7-kWh battery delivers about 150 miles of range, and an optional 84.3-kWh pack extends that to roughly 240 miles. Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging are supported, with a fast-charge taking the battery from 20 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes. With a 1,433-pound payload and a 37-square-foot bed, it is built for DIY owners and urban adventurers.
Who is behind Slate Auto?
Backing from high-profile investors including Jeff Bezos, plus a direct-to-consumer sales model, points to real disruptive potential. As TechCrunch reports, the Bezos-backed startup has gathered well over 100,000 refundable reservations since reveal, a strong early signal of demand for an affordable, practical EV.
Can the Slate become an SUV?
Yes. Every Slate is built as a pickup, then accessories convert it into a five-seat SUV with either a squared-off or fastback roof. Combined with vehicle wraps, roof racks, and other US-made upgrades, that flexibility is what makes the Slate so appealing: one affordable platform that adapts to whatever the owner needs.
Discover electric vehicles at TheArsenale
If affordable, characterful electric mobility appeals to you, explore the electric vehicle collection and the full car collection at TheArsenale, including the Duo by TheArsenale electric microcar, the Charge Electric Mustang, and the Apex AP-1 electric sports car.
Photo: SLATE AUTO
