You won’t have to wait much longer to buy Slate Auto’s first electric vehicle. The Jeff Bezos-backed startup is informing customers via email that it will begin taking orders for the low-priced modular truck on June 24 ahead of deliveries later this year.
In the message seen by TechCrunchSlate warns that prospective owners must make $50 reservations if they want to get their vehicles “earlier than non-reservers.”
Slate has not yet detailed the truck’s base price despite providing an online configurator. It is estimated to cost around “$20,000” and an add-on to turn it into an SUV will require an additional $5,000. The company originally hoped to announce a price under $20,000, but the end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit scuttled that plan.
Why the Slate truck is so important
It is a simple electric vehicle with the ideal timing
Slate introduced its signature truck in April 2025 with a different approach than other automakers, particularly electric vehicle brands. Offer just one vehicle with essential elements and add modules based on the functionality you want. The basic version relies on your phone or tablet as its infotainment system, comes without speakers, and has manually operated windows. You order wraps to add color, not paint.
A truck is the default style, but you can also order kits that turn it into a Jeep-style SUV or open-air off-roader. You can even have Slate remove the doors or raise the ride height, in addition to more conventional options like larger wheels and an external spare tire.
If Slate delivers on its price promise, the truck could be more affordable than compact rivals like the chevy bolt and Nissan Leaf. That could matter in a brutal electric vehicle market where most brands, besides Tesla, have seen their sales decline in the absence of the tax credit. Ford, VW and others have they reduced their plans and refocused on hybrids and gasoline-only vehicles.
An electric vehicle? In this economy?
Slate also has a tough economy on its side. Rising prices, especially gas, have led many households to cut costs. Some brands, such as Hyundai, have also reported Sales of electric vehicles increase as fuel prices rise. The truck could appeal to drivers who want the long-term savings of an electric vehicle, especially if they’re willing to sacrifice some creature comforts in the name of a lower starting price.
Fountain: TechCrunch
