Backed By Bezos, SLATE is a Radically Affordable, Customisable Truck With Only the Essentials

“The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” said Slate CEO Chris Barman on the announcement of his SLATE truck-SUV hybrid, and he’s right.

The average price for a new vehicle in the United States was USD$49,740 in December 2024, and here in Australia, the numbers are similarly bleak. Data from thebeep.com.au shows the average price of a new car in April 2025 is AUD$101,975 (based on Victoria), and this is despite an onslaught of cut-price Chinese-made vehicles that were meant to drive competition and lower prices.

Now, the Jeff Bezos-backed SLATE vehicle brand wants to find a solution, aiming to “put the power back in the hands of customers that have been ignored by the auto industry” with a cut-price truck that “can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV” and comes with an estimated starting price of under $20,000 after federal incentives. It will be made in America, powered by a 52.7-kWh battery pack, and features high levels of personalisation with over 100 accessories, including colour wrapping and more. Let’s take a closer look!

Slate Truck Concept, Philosophy, and Customisation

The hallmark of the Slate Truck (SUV) is its simplicity. While the world watches the craziness of Auto Shanghai 2025 and the sheer capabilities of the Chinese automotive industry, you won’t find 4K, OLED, TV-sized touchscreen infotainment systems inside the Slate truck. Heck, you won’t even find automatic windows or alloy wheels!

This 2-seat EV pickup is equipped with steel wheels, crank windows, physical HVAC controls, a large front trunk (frunk), a spacious cargo area with a 1400-lb payload—and that’s about it.

Slate says this saves money and allows it to be factory-built in a single timeless configuration, and the idea is that you customise your “Blank Slate” after the fact with over 100 personalisation accessories available at purchase or later, with some of them available individually or bundled. This includes a wrap option, with three levels of vehicle wrapping, to make personalisation more affordable, but more impressive is the SUV Kit that turns the truck into a 5-seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags, and rear seat.

Technology-wise, there’s almost nothing left inside the cabin. The brand has rather cleverly, and simply, added a universal phone mount and USB power to the centre of the dashboard where an infotainment screen would usually sit. You can even add a tablet if you prefer a larger screen.

Performance, Range, and Safety of the Slate Truck

• Curb weight: 1,634 kg (3,602 lb)
• Max payload: 650 kg (1,433 lb)
• Max towing: 454 kg (1,000 lb)
• Motor: Single motor, rear-wheel drive
• Power output: 150kW (201hp)
• Torque: 264Nm
• Battery pack sizes: 52.7kWh (standard), 84.3kWh (accessory)
• Estimated range:
  • Standard: 150 miles (241 km)
  • Accessory pack: 240 miles (386 km)
• 0–100 km/h: ~8.0 seconds (estimated from 0–60 mph)
• Top speed: 145 km/h (90 mph)
• Charging performance (NACS port):
  • Level 1 (AC 3.6kW): 20–100% in 11 hours
  • Level 2 (AC 11kW): 20–100% in under 5 hours
  • Level 3 (DC 120kW): 20–80% in under 30 minutes
• Efficiency: 2.45 L/100km equivalent (96 MPGe estimated)
• Onboard charger: 11kW
• Safety features: Up to 8 airbags, Active Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning

Under the skin of the Slate is a 52.7 kWh battery paired with a 150 kW single electric motor that powers the rear wheels only (RWD). This combination offers a projected range of 150 miles (96 MPGe combined city/highway) but this is still an approximation of the EPA test cycle and is not an official EPA estimated range figure, so take that with a bar of soap.

Of course, many will want more than 150 miles of range, so the brand will offer an optional 84.3 kWh pack that extends the target range to 240 miles.

Technically speaking, the rear electric motor is a permanent-magnet synchronous type with hairpin winding, combined water and oil cooling. The single-speed gearbox has a 12.44 gear ratio, open differential and integrated park lock. Front suspension is a MacPherson strut, while the rear is a De Dion axle, coil spring setup. Steel wheels underpin the Slate, measuring 17x 7-inches paired with a 245/65R17 tire.

When it comes time to charge Slate, expect a fast charge to 80% in under 30 minutes using a 120 kW DC fast charger. Alternatively, charge it overnight at home with a standard NACS port.

Safety is also paramount, and the Slate is designed to meet the highest occupant safety ratings with Active Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning and up to eight airbags.

Manufacturing, Pricing, and Sales

• Expected price: Under USD$20,000 after federal incentives
• Manufacturing location: United States
• Sales model: Direct-to-consumer online ordering
• Reservation fee: USD$50 (refundable)

While further details about the Slate truck will be revealed closer to launch, we do know that the truck will be manufactured in the USA at a reindustrialised factory.

The price is expected to land at under $20,000 after federal incentives for the base-model truck, and that would make it considerably cheaper than it’s closest competitor, the Ford Maverick, which is priced at USD$28,590.

Slate will operate on a direct-to-consumer model. You order you vehilce online, and it will be delivered to a location near your home. Servicing will be done at a local service network, and Customer Experience Centres will be opened to support buyers around the United States.

Currently, there are no plans to bring the Slate truck to Australia, but those in the USA can place a reservation on the truck with a $50 refundable reservation fee.