In a shocking turn of events, Slate Auto, a Jeff Bezos-backed venture, has disrupted the electric pickup truck market with its ultra-affordable and customizable vehicle. With a base price under $20,000, the company’s no-frills, two-seater pickup truck is poised to revolutionize the industry.
A Game-Changing Electric Pickup Truck at an Unbeatable Price
Slate Auto, a Michigan-based electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has made headlines with its ultra-affordable pickup truck that’s surprising the market. The company received over 100,000 reservations within three weeks of unveiling its product, indicating strong demand for this no-frills, two-seater pickup truck.
The Affordable Alternative
With a base price under $20,000, Slate‘s vehicles are significantly cheaper than other electric pickups on the market. They’re comparable to luxury models like Tesla‘s ‘Cybertruck’ or Rivian‘s ‘R1T’, which start above $70,000. This affordable pricing strategy is made possible by the company’s focus on simplicity and a DIY approach.
The truck doesn’t come equipped with standard features like touch-screen displays or stereos, but its minimalist design allows customers to customize it. The vehicle is made from gray molded polypropylene, but buyers can choose from a wide range of colored vinyl wraps. Additional accessories, such as integrated speakers and seat covers, are also available for purchase.
A Blank Slate for Customization
Slate‘s approach is centered around giving customers the freedom to personalize their vehicles. The company plans to offer DIY kits that allow customers to transform their trucks into different configurations, including a five-seat SUV or van-like cargo space. This flexibility is another key selling point for the brand.
The company has received significant backing from investors, including General Catalyst and TWG Global, as well as support from Jeff Bezos‘s family office, ‘Bezos Expeditions’ . With $700 million in funding secured, Slate is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market.
A Bright Future Ahead
Production is slated to begin in late 2026 at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Ind., with a goal of manufacturing 150,000 trucks annually by 2027. The company’s U.S.-based supply chain may also shield it from tariffs on imported cars. With its innovative approach and affordable pricing strategy, Slate Auto is set to revolutionize the electric vehicle market.
Chris Barman, Slate‘s CEO, believes that the idea for this radically affordable and simple car was born out of a question: ‘Could we build a car here in America?’ The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes.
