Slate’s low-cost electric truck arrives below rivals, though upgrades quickly raise the price.
Slate has officially opened reservations for its upcoming electric vehicle lineup, and its headline-grabbing $25,000 starting price immediately positions it among the most affordable EVs in America. However, that figure applies only to the company’s most basic configuration, and buyers looking for additional practicality or passenger space will need to spend significantly more.
The entry-level model, known as the Slate Pickup, is a minimalist two-door, two-seat truck with an open cargo bed. Buyers who want an SUV body style can upgrade to the Squareback model for an additional $5,000, bringing the starting price close to $30,000. The range-topping Fastback SUV starts at $31,950.
Even at those prices, Slate remains one of the least expensive electric vehicle options on the market. For comparison, the Chevrolet Bolt starts at $28,995, while the Nissan Leaf carries a starting price of $29,990. The Squareback SUV lands almost exactly in that price range, while the Fastback moves slightly beyond it.
What separates Slate from virtually every other automaker is its commitment to simplicity. The company has stripped away many of the features modern drivers take for granted in an effort to reduce manufacturing costs.
The base truck comes without a built-in infotainment screen, factory navigation system, or radio. Power windows are absent as well, meaning occupants must manually crank them open and closed. Traditional key-operated door locks also remain part of the package.
Instead of integrating expensive digital systems, Slate expects owners to rely on their smartphones for navigation, music streaming, and connectivity. The dashboard even includes dedicated mounting areas designed to accommodate plug-and-play accessories such as Bluetooth speakers.
Customers seeking additional versatility can convert the pickup into an SUV using modular body kits. The Squareback adds an enclosed rear section and a second-row bench seat, expanding passenger capacity to five. The Fastback SUV offers the same seating arrangement but features a more aerodynamic sloping roofline.
Inside, the cabin reflects the vehicle’s budget-focused mission. Hard plastic surfaces cover much of the dashboard and door panels, while basic cloth upholstery is used throughout. In another unusual move, Slate does not paint its vehicles at the factory.
Instead, buyers can customize the exterior with optional vinyl wrap kits. Full-body wraps are priced at $499.99 and are designed for at-home installation without specialized equipment. Available colors include Sandstone Tan, Olive Green, Tasman Blue, and Retro Orange-inspired themes.
Partial wrap packages are also available. Roof wraps start at $159.99, upper-body treatments cost $299.99, and smaller cosmetic additions such as blackout trim and accent graphics range from roughly $50 to under $200.
Customization extends beyond exterior colors. Buyers can select from several headlight graphic designs and wheel styles, with 17-inch and 20-inch wheel packages priced at $1,399.
Slate is also taking a different approach to sales and service. The startup has no traditional dealership network and does not operate company-owned service centers. Instead, it has partnered with RepairPal, giving customers access to more than 4,000 certified independent repair facilities across the country.
Those repair locations will handle routine maintenance, EV-related repairs, and accessory installations. They can also assist owners who want to convert their vehicles between pickup, Squareback, and Fastback configurations.
For customers interested in handling modifications themselves, Slate offers detailed instructional videos and online tutorials through its digital learning platform, Slate University.
Whether Slate ultimately competes directly with Ford’s upcoming $30,000 electric truck remains an open question. While pricing overlaps, the two vehicles appear aimed at different buyers. Ford’s model is expected to offer more technology, greater performance, and a more conventional ownership experience.
Ford has not yet released official specifications for its future electric pickup, but it is expected to ride on the company's new Universal Electric Vehicle architecture and deliver stronger performance and longer driving range than Slate’s offerings.
Slate’s vehicles are powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The company estimates a 0-to-60 mph time of approximately eight seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 90 mph.
The standard battery pack, rated at 52.7 kWh, is projected to provide up to 250 miles of driving range. Buyers seeking additional range can opt for an 84.3-kWh battery, which is expected to increase range to approximately 300 miles on a full charge.
For shoppers prioritizing affordability above all else, Slate’s minimalist formula may prove appealing. The question is whether enough Americans are willing to trade modern conveniences for a lower monthly payment.