In a world where new vehicles seem packed with features you don’t want and priced higher than ever, a new automaker called Slate is flipping the script. Their first product — the aptly named Slate Truck — is designed to be a simple, affordable, and highly customizable electric vehicle for buyers who actually want control over their ride.
With a targeted starting price under $20,000 (after federal incentives), Slate’s minimalist EV could become the blank canvas drivers never knew they needed.
Back to Basics: A Truck That’s Truly Stripped Down
The Slate Truck doesn’t just promise simplicity — it delivers it with almost shocking commitment. Built in Michigan with a focus on American-sourced parts, it comes in one configuration only: a two-door, single-cab setup with a 4-by-5-foot bed. Think smaller than a Ford Maverick, but slightly longer than the ultra-compact Telo MT1.
Outside, the body panels are formed from dent-resistant, molded-in-color composite material (Slate Gray, naturally), and the steel wheels look as basic as it gets. Inside, you’ll find cloth seats, manual crank windows, and physical knobs for climate control. Forget touchscreens—the only digital display is a tiny 4-inch unit behind the wheel to satisfy backup camera regulations.
Despite its no-frills approach, the Truck still includes critical safety gear like front automatic emergency braking and multiple airbags. Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor good for 201 horsepower, backed by a 52.7-kWh battery offering about 150 miles of range. An optional larger battery ups that to 240 miles, and Slate hints at a possible AWD dual-motor variant down the road.
Customization Without Complication
The real magic of the Slate Truck lies in what happens after you buy it. Slate is creating an entire ecosystem of upgrades and accessories, allowing owners to turn their basic truck into a personalized machine — without needing a shop full of tools or custom fabricators.
Want power windows or heated seats? Slate offers plug-and-play modules. Prefer a slick tablet mount instead of a dinky phone holder? There’s an add-on for that. Need bigger tires, lift kits, bed caps, or wrap kits in wild colors? Slate has them all in the works.
Even the truck’s firewall and rear glass can be removed to add back seats and transform it into a compact SUV. Slate’s “Maker” online configurator and its DIY video library, Slate University, are designed to make modifications simple enough for weekend warriors to tackle themselves.
And it doesn’t stop there: Slate plans to open-source much of its accessory ecosystem, encouraging a community of makers and tinkerers to dream up even more ways to customize.
Is Slate’s Radical Approach Enough?
There are real questions ahead. The prototype Slate Truck shown was still rough around the edges, and while Slate promises solid safety credentials, those have yet to be proven. Plus, the success of its ultra-basic model heavily depends on continued federal EV incentives. Without them, the price tag could jump by over $7,000.
Still, Slate’s radical idea — giving buyers control instead of forcing costly features—is a refreshing change in a bloated automotive market. It won’t appeal to everyone, but for budget-conscious buyers, small businesses, fleets, and DIY fans, the Slate Truck could be a game-changer.
Production is slated to begin by the end of 2026 — and we’ll be watching closely to see if Slate can turn this bold vision into a real revolution.
