In April 2025, Slate Auto, an emerging American electric vehicle (EV) startup, unveiled its first model: the Slate Truck. This innovative electric pickup aims to disrupt the EV market by offering a customizable, budget-friendly alternative to traditional trucks. With backing from notable investors, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is poised to make a significant impact in the automotive industry.LeadsOnTrees+8Tom’s Guide+8Wikipedia+8The Sun+3The Verge+3Business Insider+3Wikipedia+2The Australian+2electrive.com+2
Origins and Ownership
Slate Auto was founded in 2022 and is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The company emerged from stealth mode in April 2025 with the introduction of the Slate Truck. Slate Auto is a subsidiary of Re:Build Manufacturing, a domestic manufacturing incubator co-founded by Jeff Wilke, the former CEO of Amazon’s consumer division. The company has attracted significant investment, raising at least $111 million in Series A funding, with contributions from Bezos, Mark Walter (CEO of Guggenheim Partners), and Thomas Tull (a lead investor in Re:Build Manufacturing) .Wikipedia+1The Sun+1
Vision and Philosophy
Slate Auto’s mission is to democratize electric mobility by providing affordable, customizable vehicles that cater to a wide range of consumers. The Slate Truck embodies this vision through its minimalist design and modularity, allowing owners to personalize and adapt the vehicle to their needs. CEO Chris Barman, a former Chrysler executive, emphasizes the truck’s simplicity and upgradeable modular design, enabling owners to customize features over time according to their budgets .The Sun+1Business Insider+1Business Insider+1electrive.com+1
Practical Applications and Benefits
1. Affordability
Priced under $28,000, with potential to fall below $20,000 after federal incentives, the Slate Truck is one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. This pricing strategy aims to make EVs accessible to a broader audience, challenging the higher price points of competitors like Tesla’s Cybertruck .The Sun+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4The Australian
2. Modular Design
The Slate Truck’s standout feature is its modularity. Owners can transform the base two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV using available kits. This adaptability makes the vehicle suitable for various purposes, from daily commuting to family outings, enhancing its practicality .electrive.com+2The Sun+2Business Insider+2Wikipedia+6Tom’s Guide+6The Sun+6
3. Simplicity and Customization
Emphasizing a minimalist approach, the Slate Truck eliminates traditional features like an infotainment system, stereo, and touchscreen. Instead, it offers manual controls and a phone mount, allowing owners to use their devices for navigation and entertainment. This design not only reduces costs but also encourages DIY customization, supported by Slate’s educational platform, “Slate University” .The Sun+2Wikipedia+2The Verge+2The SunThe Verge+1Business Insider+1
4. Sustainability
The Slate Truck is built with sustainability in mind. Its unpainted gray polypropylene exterior reduces the need for traditional paint processes, lowering environmental impact. Additionally, the vehicle’s electric powertrain contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional gasoline-powered trucks .Tom’s Guide+1The Verge+1Wikipedia+1electrive.com+1Frito-Lay
Technical Specifications
- Powertrain: Rear-mounted 150 kW electric motor
- Battery Options: 52.7 kWh (150-mile range) and 84.3 kWh (240-mile range)
- Charging: Supports 11 kW AC and 120 kW DC fast charging via NACS connector
- Performance: 201 horsepower, 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds, top speed of 90 mph
- Customization Kits: Available to convert from two-seat pickup to five-seat SUV or fastback crossoverTom’s Guide+3Wikipedia+3The Sun+3Business Insider+6The Sun+6Tom’s Guide+6
Future Outlook
Slate Auto plans to begin production of the Slate Truck in late 2026 at a new facility in Indiana. The company aims to revitalize a shuttered manufacturing plant, contributing to local economic development and job creation. With its innovative approach and commitment to affordability, Slate Auto is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the evolving electric vehicle market .The Verge+7electrive.com+7The Australian+7Business Insider
Conclusion
The Slate Truck represents a bold step toward making electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience. Through its affordable pricing, modular design, and emphasis on simplicity and sustainability, Slate Auto is challenging traditional automotive norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and environmentally friendly future in transportation.Frito-Lay