Slate Truck: The Affordable Revolution in Electric Pickup Trucks

Many new technologies and rivals are appearing in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Efforts to make bold and unique electric trucks have drawn lots of interest, yet Slate Truck comes along with a goal to offer a more conventional truck that is more affordable and personal. If you want an electric pickup truck that goes against the norm but doesn’t cost too much, watch out for the Slate EV Truck.

In the remainder of this article, we will explore the important features and benefits of the Slate, why it’s drawing attention and how it measures up to other electric pickups today.

What Is the Slate Truck?

Launched in 2022, Slate Auto hopes to make electric trucks an option for everyone. Slate plans to make an electric pickup that, despite not being as advanced as the Tesla or Ford F-150, is still versatile and can be had for less than $20,000 (including federal tax credits) by everyday folks. This is a breakthrough for the electric vehicle industry because the majority of models on the market cost more than $60,000.

The Slate Truck is a standard compact pickup with just two doors and measures 174.6 inches long — shorter than other compact pickups like the Ford Maverick. Its look is straightforward but reminiscent of earlier, small trucks that were common before giant pickups appeared.

Key Specs at a Glance:

Specification Slate Truck
Base Price Below $20,000 (after $7,500 tax credit)
Battery Options 52.7 kWh (standard), 84.3 kWh (optional)
Range 150 miles (standard), 240 miles (optional)
Drive Type Single Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Horsepower 201 hp
Maximum Speed 90 mph
Payload Capacity 1,433 lbs
Seating Capacity 2 seats
Charging Type Tesla NACS port (120 kW peak charging)
Length 174.6 inches

What Makes the Slate Electric Pickup Truck Stand Out?

What Makes the Slate Electric Pickup Truck Stand Out?

1. Affordable Fun That Doesn’t Sadly Fall Short

Slate is most known for being cost-effective. Since the EV tax credit applies, buying a Slate could cost less than $20,000, making it open to many more people than any other electric truck. Using a single SKU, the truck is a basic model with little in the way of built-in accessories and customers can enhance it as they like down the road.

2. A lot of Customization is Possible

Rather than offering many customizable factory options, Slate presents its “Blank Slate” truck with only basic features such as black steel wheels, manual window rolls, no display screen and a plain interior. The key is that the aftermarket accessories range includes more than 100 items, from adding lift kits and tires for mountain roads to enhancing the interior and converting to an SUV.

Customers can:

  • Replace truck parts gradually, making sure you don’t break your budget.
  • Create your own accessories with regular tools and with help from Slate University videos.
  • Give the truck a new look by fitting it with special SUV-like body kits.

Ensure cars have speakers that pair with phones wirelessly, heated seats and storage areas that you can lock.

3. Practical Battery and Performance

Thanks to the standard 52.7-kWh battery pack, the Slate Truck can deliver 150 miles of range, just enough for driving and hauling items around town. A bigger 84.3 kWh battery pack is offered optionally and increases the estimated range to close to 240 miles, supporting longer travel. Even though it isn’t meant for long trips, this design is tailored to city drivers and tradespeople who need a solid daily car.

With 201 horsepower and a rear-wheel drive setup, the truck manages highway driving fast enough, but it is not made for intense speed.

4. Modern Charging Convenience

Integrating the Tesla-designed NACS port means Slate Tesla owners can use Tesla Superchargers as soon as they are available. At a power rate of 120 kW and a time of about 30 minutes, a truck can recharge from 20% to 80% which is around what you’d expect for its cost.

5. Backed by Industry Veterans

Chris Barman, a former Chrysler executive and now CEO, leads Slate Auto, while Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is among its main investors. By late 2026, the company plans to produce 150,000 cars annually at its Midwest factory. This powerful lead and finance support Slate to shake up the EV market in a notable way.

How Does Slate Truck Compare to Other Electric Pickup Trucks?

To understand Slate’s place in the market, here’s a comparison table featuring Slate Truck against two major competitors: the Tesla Cybertruck and the Ford F-150 Lightning.

Feature Slate Truck Tesla Cybertruck Ford F-150 Lightning
Estimated Range 150-240 miles Up to 340 miles Up to 320 miles
Base Price Below $20,000 (after tax credit) Starts at $60,990 Starts at $49,995
Drive Type RWD, Single Motor AWD, Tri-Motor options AWD, Dual Motor
Max Payload 1,433 lbs 3,500+ lbs 2,000+ lbs
Max Speed 90 mph 130+ mph 105 mph
Design Compact, utilitarian Futuristic, angular Classic full-size pickup
Customization Extensive aftermarket kit Limited factory options Several factory options
Charging Port Tesla NACS Tesla NACS CCS Combo
Production Start Late 2026 (planned) Ongoing Ongoing

The Slate Electric Pickup Truck is Best for Whom?

The Slate Truck is built specifically for:

  • Budget-conscious buyers who want an affordable EV pickup without sacrificing quality.

  • Urban drivers and tradespeople who don’t need extreme range but require a dependable, practical vehicle for daily tasks.

  • DIY enthusiasts and customizers who enjoy personalizing their vehicles over time.

  • Eco-conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint affordably.

  • First-time EV owners who want a simple, manageable introduction to electric trucks.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Even though Slate’s concept stands out, starting an EV company is notoriously hard. Increasing production, running efficient supply chains and earning consumer confidence are big challenges. Success for the company also depends on having the federal EV tax credit in place, as it makes the vehicle less expensive.

Taking a basic approach to trucks and relying on customization from outside the factory, Slate is taking a chance that might attract many or only a few interested customers.

However, Slate’s place in the market grows stronger because investors are enthusiastic and demand for affordable EVs is increasing.

Final Thoughts: Is Slate Truck the Future of Affordable EV Pickups?

When most electric pickups are costly and packed with luxury, Slate Truck adds a simpler, more affordable and more adaptable option. The single SKU design, mixed with a large accessory selection, helps customers take charge of how their vehicle is manufactured and the overall price.

Although it won’t take away sales from pickup trucks immediately, Slate was made for people who want EVs that are easy on the wallet. Should Slate fulfill its promises, its EV truck could be the top choice for everyday pickup buyers in the U.S.
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