In a significant development for the electric vehicle market, Slate Auto, the innovative electric-truck startup, has announced that its first Slate EV pickup truck models will be delivered to customers before the end of the year. This marks a pivotal moment for the company, which has managed to maintain its ambitious pricing promise, with the base model starting at $25,000 (excluding crucial destination fees).
With over 180,000 reservation holders eagerly awaiting, Slate Auto recently revealed comprehensive details about the truck’s specifications, pricing structures, and unique customization options at a media event in Southern California. These revelations allow reservation holders, who have placed a $50 deposit since April 2025, to now configure their specific vehicles online for an additional $250, ahead of the confirmed fourth-quarter delivery schedule.
The company’s approach aims to blend nostalgic design elements with modern electric vehicle technology, offering a back-to-basics pickup experience. The journey began in April 2024 when Slate unveiled its distinct small electric pickup truck design, setting the stage for what is now one of the most anticipated new entrants in the growing EV segment.
Key Takeaways: Slate EV Pickup Truck Launch
- Launch & Deliveries: Slate Auto confirms first Slate EV pickup truck deliveries by Q4 2026.
- Starting Price: Base Blank Slate pickup begins at $24,950 before destination fees.
- Expanded Lineup: Alongside the pickup, two SUV body styles, the Squareback ($29,950) and Fastback ($31,950), will be available at launch.
- Performance: Rear-mounted 135 kW (181 hp) motor, 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds.
- Range: Estimated 205 miles on a single 65 kWh (63 kWh usable) LFP battery pack.
- Charging: NACS port, 11 kW AC charging (20-100% in 4 hrs), 120 kW DC fast charging (20-80% in 30 min).
- Utility: 2,000 lbs towing capacity, 1,550 lbs payload, 5-foot bed.
- Customization: Over 100 color wraps and 200+ accessories available through the Slate Marketplace, with over 80% priced under $500.
A Bold Entry into the Electric Truck Market
Slate Auto’s initial unveiling of its small electric pickup truck in April 2024 captured significant attention. The company’s vision was clear: to offer a compact, functional electric vehicle that harkens back to the design philosophy of 1980s and 1990s small trucks, but with a thoroughly modern battery-electric powertrain.
This approach positioned the Slate EV pickup truck as a unique proposition, particularly in a market often dominated by larger, more expensive electric trucks. The emphasis on a fundamental, no-frills design resonated with a segment of buyers looking for utility and affordability in an electric package.
The Power of Reservations: Gauging Demand
The remarkable figure of over 180,000 reservation holders underscores the considerable public interest in Slate Auto’s offering. Each of these individuals committed a $50 deposit, starting from April 2025, signaling a strong demand for an accessible and practical electric pickup.
This level of pre-order engagement provides a robust indicator of market readiness for a vehicle that prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The ability to now configure these vehicles online marks a tangible step towards fulfilling those initial reservations, moving from anticipation to tangible delivery.
Models, Pricing, and the Crucial Asterisk
The core of Slate Auto’s lineup is the Blank Slate, a two-door, standard-cab pickup truck. This model is engineered to deliver a back-to-basics experience, focusing on essential utility and efficiency. Its starting price of $24,950 is a cornerstone of Slate’s market strategy, aiming to make electric mobility more accessible.
Expanding the Lineup: Squareback and Fastback SUVs
Beyond the primary pickup variant, Slate Auto has surprised many by confirming the immediate availability of two additional body styles, both sport utility vehicles (SUVs). These designs were somewhat overshadowed by the initial focus on the small pickup but present compelling alternatives for customers.
The first SUV variant is the Squareback wagon, priced at $29,950. This clever design incorporates an add-on panel kit that transforms the pickup by removing the cab back and remounting it at the end of a longer roof panel to serve as a tailgate. The result is a two-door wagon with a distinctive square roofline, reviving a body style largely absent from the U.S. market.
The second SUV offering is the Fastback, which comes with a price tag of $31,950. This version provides a more sloping roofline compared to the Squareback, drawing parallels to accessory shells like the International Scout Sportop. While earlier discussions hinted at these SUV body styles being available as flat-pack DIY kits, Slate confirmed that all three versions will be factory-built and available at launch for reservation holders.
Understanding the True Cost: Destination Charges
A significant clarification regarding the pricing is the exclusion of destination or delivery fees from the stated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). These fees, standard across the automotive industry, can range from $1,150 to over $3,000, adding a crucial layer to the final purchase price.
Slate Auto has indicated that this specific fee will be disclosed closer to the initial delivery dates. This means a Blank Slate EV pickup truck, for example, could realistically start at $26,100 if the lowest current market destination fee of $1,150 is applied, before factoring in taxes and registration. The final determination of this charge will be critical for prospective buyers.
The Market Perspective: A Bold Gamble on Affordability
Slate Auto’s pricing strategy, especially for a two-door electric vehicle, represents a notable departure from current market trends. Ivan Drury, Director of Insights at auto-data firm Edmunds, commented on this strategy, stating, “Slate is making a $25,000 bet that drivers still want something simple. Our data show the market quietly walked away from that price years ago, so this is a real test of how much affordability still matters to today’s buyers.” This perspective highlights the inherent risk and potential reward of Slate’s aggressive pricing model for the Slate EV pickup truck.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
Underpinning every Slate EV pickup truck and its SUV counterparts is a robust rear-mounted motor, engineered for efficiency and reliable performance. This motor delivers 135 kilowatts (equivalent to 181 horsepower) and a torque output of 264 Nm (195 lb-ft). These figures translate to a respectable 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 8.0 seconds, offering brisk performance suitable for urban and light-duty tasks, without aiming for ultra-high-performance benchmarks.
Battery Technology and Range Estimates
The electric motor is powered by a 65 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack, providing 63 kWh of usable energy. This pack utilizes lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cells, supplied by Gotion, and is assembled in Illinois. The selection of LFP chemistry is notable for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and safety characteristics, which are becoming increasingly valued in the EV sector.
Slate Auto estimates the Blank Slate EV pickup truck will achieve a range of 205 miles on a single charge. This figure represents a refinement of earlier plans, where the company had indicated offering two battery capacities: a standard-range pack for 150 miles and an Extended Range version for 240 miles, which would have used NMCA cells from SK-On. The company has now consolidated its offering to a single LFP pack, streamlining production and supply chains.
Charging Convenience and Speed
Charging for all Slate EV pickup truck models is facilitated via a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, conveniently located on the left-rear fender. This integration aligns the Slate with a growing standard in the industry, enhancing interoperability with public charging infrastructure.
The vehicle features an onboard 11 kW AC charger, capable of replenishing the battery pack from 20 to 100 percent in approximately 4 hours. For faster charging, the Slate supports DC fast charging at up to 120 kW, allowing for a 20 to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. It’s important to note that LFP cells, unlike some other battery chemistries, generally benefit from regular charging to 100 percent for optimal health and calibration.
Truck Utility: Towing, Payload, and Cargo
Despite its compact stature, the Slate EV pickup truck is designed to be a functional workhorse. It boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, making it suitable for pulling small trailers carrying items such as riding mowers, motorcycles, jet skis, or quad ATVs, depending on trailer weight. Its payload capacity is rated at 1,550 pounds, offering substantial hauling capability for its class.
The curb weight of the pickup truck stands at 4,050 pounds, increasing slightly to 4,335 pounds for the two SUV models. The pickup bed measures 5 feet (60.5 inches) in length, which extends to 80.7 inches when the tailgate is lowered, providing ample space for various loads.
Beyond the traditional bed, every Slate EV pickup truck incorporates a front trunk, or ‘frunk,’ offering 7 cubic feet of secure storage. The SUV models further expand cargo flexibility, providing up to 34 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, or a generous 58.4 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. All Slate models will come equipped with practical 17-inch steel wheels, underscoring their utility-focused design.
The Modular Vision: Customization at its Core
Slate Auto’s marketing narrative positions the Slate EV pickup truck not merely as a vehicle, but as an innovative, modular platform engineered for extensive personalization. The company envisions that a significant portion of buyers will choose to customize their trucks or SUVs, transforming them into truly unique vehicles through a wide array of accessories.
This customization journey begins with full-vehicle wraps, available for under $500, offering customers a diverse palette of over 100 colors at launch, moving beyond the base grey. This initiative allows for immediate personalization without significant cost, enhancing the Slate EV pickup truck’s aesthetic appeal.
Further enhancing this modular ecosystem is the Slate Marketplace, which is set to launch with more than 200 accessories. Remarkably, over 80 percent of these accessories will be priced under $500 apiece. This strategy is central to how a $25,000 truck aims to achieve profitability by offering high-margin, value-added accessories.
The accessory range is comprehensive, spanning practical interior items such as cup holders, consoles, and mobile-phone mounts, to power windows, zip-on seat covers, and audio systems. Exterior enhancements like roof racks and various dress-up items, including light covers, will also be available, allowing owners to tailor their Slate EV pickup truck to their specific needs and preferences. This expansive customization approach is a defining characteristic of Slate Auto’s consumer strategy.
Slate Auto’s launch of the Slate EV pickup truck represents a compelling proposition in the evolving electric vehicle landscape. By focusing on affordability, modularity, and a back-to-basics philosophy, the company is poised to challenge existing norms and cater to a segment of the market eager for a versatile and economically viable electric utility vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the starting price of the Slate EV pickup truck?
The Blank Slate EV pickup truck starts at $24,950. However, this price excludes destination and delivery fees, which can range from $1,150 to over $3,000, and will be announced closer to the delivery date. Buyers should factor in these additional costs.
When can customers expect to receive their Slate EV pickup truck?
Slate Auto has confirmed that the first customer deliveries of the Slate EV pickup truck are scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Reservation holders can now configure their vehicles online in preparation for these upcoming deliveries.
What is the estimated driving range of the Slate EV pickup truck?
The Slate EV pickup truck, equipped with its 65 kWh (63 kWh usable) LFP battery pack, has an estimated driving range of 205 miles on a single charge. This range is designed to meet the daily commuting and light utility needs of most drivers.
What are the different body styles available for the Slate EV?
In addition to the two-door Blank Slate pickup truck, Slate Auto will offer two SUV body styles: the Squareback wagon, priced at $29,950, and the Fastback, priced at $31,950. All three versions will be factory-built and available at launch.
What are the charging capabilities of the Slate EV pickup truck?
The Slate EV pickup truck features a NACS charging port. It supports 11 kW AC charging, taking 4 hours for a 20-100% charge, and DC fast charging up to 120 kW, allowing a 20-80% charge in 30 minutes. LFP battery cells benefit from regular full charging.
How much can the Slate EV pickup truck tow and carry?
The Slate EV pickup truck is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds. Its pickup bed is 5 feet long, extending to 80.7 inches with the tailgate down, making it capable for various light-duty tasks.
What customization options are available for the Slate EV?
Slate Auto emphasizes customization through full-vehicle wraps (over 100 colors, under $500) and a Slate Marketplace offering more than 200 accessories. Over 80% of these accessories are priced below $500, enabling extensive personalization for owners.