Slate Automotive, the highly secretive American startup, has just made an earthquake rung in the electric vehicle (EV) world with the launch of its first vehicle—a super small, robust, and super customizable electric slate truck pickup priced at $25,000. It’s not just another EV, this is something that’s simply intelligent, affordable, as well as an innovative expression in a market full of expensive, high-tech offerings.
“Blank Slate” – Minimalism Meets Modularity
Slate’s first model is a two-door electric pickup truck called the Blank Slate that does not embrace a flashy look, but a utilitarian design instead. This vehicle has the outside covered with a gray molded composite, no central screen, and steel wheels and stripping the EV formula down to its core. However, what it doesn’t have in frills, it definitely makes up for in personalization potential and being cheap.
The base model is decked out with a 52.7 kWh battery and around 150 miles of range. Slate hasn’t provided the cost to upgrade to an 84.3kWh version, further boosting range to about 240 miles – but buyers can opt for that as an 84.3kWh upgrade. The truck is powered by a 201 hp rear wheel drive motor powered by DC fast charging and Tesla’s NACS port.
The Still Life is a DIY built for the masses.
The true hooks of Slate’s design are in its modularity. Using the optional kits, the vehicle is designed to be transformed by the owners or certified partners into different body styles. The truck can be converted into a 5-seater SUV or fastback utility vehicle for about $5,000. The kits include many structural upgrades like roll cages and rearset airbags, and cleverly reuse such parts as the rear cab wall for the tailgate of the SUV.
Behind the scenes, more than 100 accessories will be available at launch, including window automation kits to body wraps, deeper seat upgrades, audio systems, and off-road components.So to keep this hands-on culture, there will be “Slate University” — a place for owners to learn how to maintain or modify their vehicles in a tutorial and community support hub.
Engineering for Affordability
When it comes to Slate’s low pricing model, it’s not an accident. It took the company to reimagine vehicle production from the ground up. CEO Chris Barman estimates that of around $350 million to $500 million in savings it gets from removing costly steps like painting and stamping large metal panels. Slate comes with only one trim and color, which is used to keep logistics and assembly simple, aiming to make up to 150,000 units annually.
The cars will be manufactured in the Midwestern US to avoid import tariffs and take advantage of federal EV incentives. It would reduce the entry model to just below $20,000 and would be one of the cheapest EVs available for now!
Safety and Practicality
The minimalist design of the Blank Slate does not take away its safety. The vehicle will also have an integrated rear-view camera in the digital instrument panel, and will meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in place by 2027, including automatic emergency braking and up to eight airbags. Although basic, it is street legal and equipped well for everyday use.
There is 1,430 pounds of payload, 1,000 pounds of towing capacity, and just over 3,600 pounds of the truck itself—the truck is actually relatively similar or smaller than other competitors like the Ford Maverick. It has a 5-foot-long cargo bed and a 7-cubic-foot front trunk to maximize utility in a compact form.
