The US EV startup Slate Auto is betting that a large section of American car buyers has had enough of expensive, tech-heavy vehicles. The startup believes many people simply want an affordable, basic electric vehicle that does the job without overwhelming features. Its answer to that demand is the Slate truck.
The Slate electric truck is a compact, two-door electric pickup designed around simplicity. It comes with manual windows, no built-in radio, and has a modest driving range of 150 miles. The idea is to keep costs low while offering buyers the freedom to customize the vehicle later.
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Slate Auto Still Hasn’t Revealed Final Price
While the concept has generated massive interest, one critical detail is still missing. Slate Auto has not yet confirmed the truck’s final price. CEO Chris Barman told InsideEVs that discussions are still ongoing as the company works with suppliers to reduce costs further.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Bloomberg NEF Summit in San Francisco, Barman said Slate is exploring every possible opportunity to bring the price down before making an official announcement. According to her, any savings achieved during this process will be passed directly to customers.
Mid-Twenties Pricing Target For Base Model
Slate says it is aiming for a “mid-twenties” price for the base version, called the Blank Slate. This variant comes without accessories and focuses purely on affordability. When the company first emerged from stealth last year, it hinted at a sub-$20,000 price after federal incentives.
At the time, that estimate assumed a $7,500 EV tax credit, pointing to a potential maximum MSRP of $27,499. With federal incentives now uncertain, Slate is recalibrating its pricing strategy while trying to stay as close as possible to that original promise.
Customization Will Add To The Cost
One of the Slate truck’s core selling points is customization. Buyers will be able to add features like vinyl wraps, upgraded wheels, and even a conversion kit that turns the pickup into a five-seat SUV. Slate has indicated that this SUV conversion kit will cost around $5,000.
There will also be an optional larger battery pack that increases the driving range to 240 miles. However, pricing for this extended-range battery has not yet been finalized.
Supplier Talks Key To Cost Reduction
According to Barman, pricing will be a major focus at an upcoming meeting with Slate’s suppliers. The goal is to identify further cost-cutting opportunities without compromising the truck’s core philosophy. Slate wants to ensure the final product remains accessible to everyday buyers, not just early adopters.
Production Planned For Late 2026
Slate plans to begin production of its first truck by the end of this year at a former printing plant in Indiana. Despite lingering questions around pricing, interest in the vehicle appears strong. As of December, the company reported more than 150,000 refundable reservations.
If Slate can deliver on its affordability promise, the truck could become a rare example of a truly entry-level electric pickup in the U.S. market. Pricing will ultimately decide whether that ambition turns into a breakthrough or a missed opportunity.
