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The Jeff Bezos-backed Slate all-electric pick-up is creating a buzz.
The electrified ute from startup Slate Auto has already received more than 100,000 reservations, with eager buyers putting down just US$50 (AU$75) to secure their spot. With a price tag starting at only US$25,000 (AU$38,000), the Slate truck promises to deliver a no-frills, American-made EV that’s both affordable and practical.
The Slate currently only sends power exclusively to the rear wheels – and yes, we know we’re a 4×4 website – but a dual-motor AWD version is reportedly in development. But, as it now stands, the RWD layout is better suited for urban driving rather than off-road use.
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Officially unveiled in April 2025, the Slate truck is the first offering from Michigan-based Slate Auto, a company determined to make electric trucks more accessible without sacrificing functionality or durability. What sets the Slate truck apart from its competitors is its versatile design and affordability, with its entry-level price potentially a game-changing alternative for anyone looking to go electric without breaking the bank.
The truck features a 201hp (148kW) motor with rear-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling both daily commutes and tougher tasks. It offers two battery options: a standard 52.7kWh pack that delivers around 240km of range, and an optional 84.3kWh pack that extends the range to about 385km. It also has a payload capacity of 1433 pounds (650kg) and Slate says it can only tow about 1000 pounds (454kg).
What gives the Slate its point of difference is its modular design – it can easily be converted from a pick-up to an SUV using optional kits, giving buyers the flexibility to adapt the vehicle to their needs. More than 100 accessories are also expected to be available, allowing customers to customise everything from storage solutions to off-road upgrades.
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Slate is backed by some big names in the business world, already securing more than AU$1 billion (US$700 million) in funding – with notable investors including Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter and Thomas Tull. The company plans to build a manufacturing facility in the US Midwest, aiming to create jobs and keep production domestic. This will also allow Slate Auto to use locally-sourced battery components, contributing to a fully American supply chain.
Production is set to begin in late 2026, with deliveries expected to start in 2027. The fact that 100,000 reservations have already been locked in, even before the truck has officially hit the production line, speaks volumes about the demand for a reasonably priced, practical electric truck – and the $50 refundable deposit speaks volumes.
Reservations are currently only available to residents of the United States, and there have been no announcements of a release outside of the USA.
