New U.S. automaker Slate has introduced a new electric truck focusing on simplicity, affordability, and personalization. With a starting price as low as $20,000 after the federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, this straightforward two-seater aims to provide a back-to-basics alternative in a market cluttered with expensive, high-tech EVs.
The base model comes with manual roll-down windows, no digital displays, and a range of 150 miles. “The definition of affordability is broken,” stated Slate CEO Chris Barman in a press release. “Slate aims to empower customers who have been overlooked by the auto industry. Slate is a revolutionary truck platform so customizable that it can shift from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.”
The truck’s compact, European-inspired dimensions break away from the oversized American pickup standard. Instead of an integrated infotainment system, Slate provides a universal device holder, enabling drivers to use their personal smartphones or tablets for navigation and media.
Customization is central to Slate’s proposition. Buyers can choose from three types of vehicle wraps, different interior finishes, and over 100 accessories. A distinctive “flat-pack accessory SUV Kit” permits the truck to convert into a five-passenger SUV. The dashboard contains conventional knobs, while the windows are controlled with cranks—intentionally steering clear of the tech-heavy trend prevalent in today’s EV market.
Despite its compact size, the Slate truck is manufactured in the U.S. and takes design cues from classic Toyota compact pickups and vintage Land Rovers. It stands in sharp contrast to the advanced and technology-laden Tesla Cybertruck. As Tesla encounters increasing criticism and an influx of used vehicles entering the resale market, Slate’s minimalist philosophy could attract buyers seeking a simpler, more budget-friendly EV.
Tesla’s continual postponements in launching its much-anticipated affordable EV—most recently the budget-friendly Model Y—might create a market void that Slate is keen to address. As reported by Car and Driver, the total price of the Slate truck will be $27,500, with initial deliveries anticipated as soon as late 2026.
Key specifications for the Slate Scout EV include:
– Motor: Single motor, rear-wheel drive
– Top speed: 90 mph
– Efficiency: 96 MPGe
– Range: 150 to 240 miles, based on configuration
– Battery: 52.7-kWh pack with 150 kW output
– Fast charging: 80% charge in under 30 minutes using a 120-kW charger
– Dimensions: 174.6 inches long, 108.9-inch wheelbase, 70.6 inches wide, 69.3 inches tall
– Interior volume: 55 cubic feet
– Curb weight: 3,602 pounds
– Payload capacity: 1,433 pounds
– Towing capacity: 1,000 pounds
Customers looking for early access to the Slate Scout EV can reserve a place for $50 through the company’s official website.