This Transformable Electric Truck Could Become the Cheapest EV in the US

A new contender has entered the U.S. electric car market, aiming to disrupt the industry with a focus on affordable pricing. The startup, named Slate, is introducing the Slate Truck, a minimalist and practical electric vehicle designed for customization and everyday utility. Eschewing premium features, this truck offers manual windows, a straightforward dashboard, and a versatile modular platform that can even be converted into an SUV using a do-it-yourself accessory kit.

Slate, an EV startup based in Michigan, has been quietly developing its vehicle for several years, securing funding from investors including Jeff Bezos, the head of Amazon. Amazon’s early $700 million investment in Rivian was also pivotal in the launch of the then-nascent automaker. While most EV startups typically debut with expensive flagship models before offering more affordable options, Slate is taking a unique approach by launching its brand with a budget-friendly, bottom-up strategy. This approach may prove particularly timely given the ongoing concerns about inflation, tariffs, and the increasing cost of goods.

Compact Dimensions

The Slate Truck boasts a surprisingly small size. Measuring 174.6 inches in overall length with a 108.9-inch wheelbase, this compact EV is significantly shorter than the Hyundai Santa Cruz (by 21 inches) and the Ford Maverick (by 25 inches), which are currently the smallest pickup trucks available in the U.S. It is worth noting that those models are four-door crew cab pickups with rear seats, whereas the Slate’s pickup features a single-cab, two-seater configuration, at least in its standard format.

Despite its smaller size, the Slate’s standard 4-foot bed is comparable to the Ford’s 4.5-foot bed and the Hyundai’s 4-foot bed. Additionally, this EV offers a 7-cubic-foot “frunk” storage area under the hood. With a payload capacity of up to 1,433 pounds, the compact Truck is in the same range as its compact pickup competitors, making it suitable for errands involving light hauling. However, its 1,000-pound towing capacity is considerably lower than that of its gasoline-powered rivals.

Minimalist Design and Customization

Slate aims to keep the Truck’s price “under $20,000 after federal incentives” by focusing on its compact size and its minimal features and amenities. The automaker appears to offer the EV in only one color – a matte gray – encouraging customers to customize the truck using wraps in their preferred colors or designs. The vehicle features basic 17-inch steel wheels and body panels with visible hardware.

Inside, the Slate Truck forgoes the large touchscreens commonly found in modern vehicles, opting instead for a simple digital instrument cluster and a universal phone mount with USB power. The rationale is that most drivers already rely on their smartphones for navigation, communication, and media, eliminating the need for a costly integrated screen. Customers who prefer a larger display for navigation can choose to install a dedicated tablet.

Despite its minimalistic approach, the Slate Truck offers some advanced features. It will include driver assistance and safety technologies such as active emergency braking and forward collision warning upon its release. However, closer inspection of the photos reveals the presence of manual windows, illustrating Slate’s commitment to basic transportation and cost reduction in its electric truck. The burgeoning automaker plans to offer over 100 accessories, packages, and options both at the time of purchase and as aftermarket upgrades to allow owners to tailor their Slate Truck to their specific requirements and preferences.

DIY SUV Conversion Kit

Perhaps the most intriguing accessory is a DIY SUV kit, enabling owners to transform their two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV. This kit, shipped flat-packed like Ikea furniture, can be installed at a Slate service center, by a certified mechanic, or as a DIY project in your own driveway. The conversion adds a rear occupant roll cage, airbags, and, of course, rear seats.

One may wonder about the conversion’s speed. The possibility of easily switching between the two configurations – a pickup for weekend tasks and an SUV for family outings – is a compelling prospect.

Performance Specifications

The moderately sized pickup is equipped with an equally modest electric powertrain, the specifications of which might not be particularly impressive on paper but should prove sufficient for many drivers’ essential needs.

A 150-kilowatt (201 horsepower) motor drives the rear wheels, generating 195 pound-feet of torque. The Truck’s estimated 8-second 0-to-60 mph acceleration and 90 mph top speed will not make it a speed demon but should provide adequate performance for daily commuting and running errands.

The EV will come standard with a 52.7 kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge. Slate will also offer an 84.3-kWh accessory battery, aiming for a range of 240 miles. The branding of the larger battery as an “accessory” suggests it could be swapped or upgraded after the initial purchase, an appealing possibility if confirmed.

For charging, the Slate Truck uses a NACS charging port and can be fully charged in around five hours using an 11kW Level 2 home charger. When using a Tesla Supercharger (or other DC fast charging station via an adapter), the EV can rapidly charge from 20% to 80% in “under 30 minutes.” This translates to adding approximately 90 to 140 miles of range in half an hour, a charging speed that might not be the fastest in the EV market. However, Slate likely anticipates that most owners will primarily use this basic pickup for local trips rather than long-distance travel.

Affordable Electric Vehicle

Slate intends to manufacture the Slate Truck in the United States at a refurbished factory near Indianapolis, Indiana. While pricing is still preliminary, the automaker projects that the starting price will be around $25,000 before considering up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives. If these prices are met, the Slate Truck would become the most affordable new EV in America. Direct-to-consumer sales are available online today at slate.auto with a $50 refundable deposit.