A New Electrical Pickup Returns to Fundamentals
Automotive journalists, trade insiders, and traders gathered in Lengthy Seashore, California, to unveil the all-new, all-electric Slate pickup. Whereas driving prototypes wasn’t a part of the occasion, curiosity surged round what may set this car aside within the EV market.
Slate Auto describes itself as "the best-kept secret within the auto trade." Based mostly in Detroit, the corporate has been meticulously assembling a workforce of automotive veterans whereas creating a stable marketing strategy, securing funding, designing its pickup, and constructing a producing plant—marking its entry as a brand new contender within the automotive panorama.
Who’s Slate Auto?
Launched covertly in 2022, Slate Auto is striving to do what no different producer has: introduce a single car priced at lower than half the typical price of a brand new automobile in 2025, roughly $50,000. This initiative has been encapsulated of their tagline, presenting the corporate and its car as a "clear slate."
Embarking on such an audacious enterprise just isn’t low-cost. The involvement of early investor Jeff Bezos, who contributed $111 million, considerably kickstarted growth. With out such substantial backing and different notable traders, the corporate’s progress may need stalled, and the pickup could not have been unveiled this week. JP Morgan is managing the following funding spherical.
Ideas Revealed
Curiously, Slate has but to call its pickup; as an alternative, future house owners may have the chance to decide on a reputation. Specs will probably be supplied later.
Chris Barman, CEO of Slate Auto, criticized the auto trade, asserting that “the definition of what’s inexpensive is damaged.” Slate’s plan goals to assemble and supply as many parts as attainable from American firms, encouraging shoppers to view their pickup as customizable, inexpensive, and distinctly American-built.
With a deliberate launch in about two years, the ideas introduced would possibly bear adjustments. Clear Fleet Report will maintain readers up to date as extra data emerges.
The pickup’s exterior encompasses a boxy design with a low stance, paying homage to Eighties pickup vans and Land Rovers. Composite physique panels are screw-mounted, significantly simplifying crash repairs. The rounded contours additionally allow straightforward utility of a wrap, which Slate suggests house owners can deal with themselves—although skilled set up is beneficial.
With over 100 equipment obtainable, together with a conversion equipment to remodel it from a pickup to an SUV, Slate encourages house owners to customise their autos. The equipment encompasses a roll bar, rear bench seat, and choices for 2 totally different roof types, permitting for simple proprietor set up.
Slate Pickup Specs
- Rear-wheel drive powered by a single electrical motor
- 201 horsepower
- 195 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds
- High velocity of 90 mph
- Towing capability: 1,000 lbs
- Payload capability: 1,433 lbs
- Curb weight: 3,602 lbs
- Dimensions: 174.6 inches lengthy; 63.3 inches excessive; 70.6 inches huge (excluding mirrors)
- Composite physique panels hooked up to a sturdy body
- Retro-style 17-inch metal wheels with 245/65 tires
- 5-foot pickup mattress
Charging
- 52.7 kWh commonplace battery providing 150 miles of all-electric vary
- 84.3 kWh improve battery offering 240 miles
- Onboard charger: 11 kW
- Charging functionality: 150 kW
- 400-volt system
- North American Charging Commonplace (NACS)
- Degree 1 (120-volt): 20-100% in 11 hours
- Degree 2 (240-volt): 20-100% in 5 hours
- Degree 3 Quick Charging (120 kW): 20-80% in half-hour
Inside Options
- Bench seating for 2
- No infotainment display, navigation, or apps
- Handbook knobs and controls for car capabilities
- Sturdy, eco-friendly supplies
- Hand-crank home windows
- Entrance trunk (frunk)
Exterior Options
- Injection-molded, polypropylene-blend physique panels
- Unpainted end with non-compulsory wrap kits
- Accent conversion equipment obtainable for five-passenger SUV configuration
- Mattress width: 42.9 inches
- Mattress size: 60.0 inches (tailgate up) or 81.6 inches (tailgate down)
Pricing
Estimated pricing is below $20,000, excluding supply and taxes. This estimate depends on the idea that the $7,500 federal tax incentive stays in impact. Further state-level incentives may additionally apply.
Pre-orders are at the moment obtainable with a refundable $50 deposit.
Direct-to-Client Gross sales and Service Mannequin
Slate’s gross sales mannequin, accompanied by a nationwide service community, goals to supply a quick, straightforward, and clear buying and possession expertise.
Observations on the 2026 Slate Auto EV Pickup
Slate is banking on client frustration with pricing and pointless know-how in autos. Their mantra, “We make it. You construct it,” underscores their deal with personalization, providing over 100 equipment for personalisation.
Whereas the Slate pickup lacks options like energy home windows and elaborate leisure programs, it guarantees a base mannequin with a 150-mile emissions-free vary for nicely below $20,000, particularly with tax credit. For comfort, customers can merely crank the home windows and use their telephones for navigation and leisure.
Slate didn’t specify its goal demographic however emphasised that their simplified two-seat pickup is "approachable and timeless." They famous that 70% of the U.S. inhabitants earns lower than $100,000 per 12 months, and a aim is to maintain month-to-month funds below $400, making this truck accessible to many.
Keep watch over Clear Fleet Report for updates and extra car opinions.
Story by John Faulkner. Pictures by John Faulkner and Slate.
