Bezos Backed Slate Auto Unveils Customizable EV Pickup

Slate Auto, a new American electric vehicle company, has launched its highly anticipated electric pickup truck, backed by Jeff Bezos, which stands in stark contrast to Tesla’s offerings.

This truck is designed with affordability, customization, and simplicity at its core, providing a refreshing alternative to the technology-heavy electric vehicles that currently dominate the market.

Slate Auto’s debut event, held Thursday night in Long Beach, California, revealed a vehicle that is everything but conventional. From its lack of a main infotainment screen to its manual windows, this is an EV pickup truck that harks back to an era before touchscreen obsession.

What’s even more remarkable? It is customizable to an incredible extent and can easily transform from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV, providing versatile options for its users.

Affordable, Customizable, and Refreshingly Simple

Slate’s EV pickup truck promises to be a game-changer for those who have long waited for an affordable, analog-inspired electric vehicle. By the end of 2026, the first trucks are expected to hit the market with a starting price of under $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit is applied.

This announcement comes just a few weeks after Slate revealed its plans to enter the U.S. EV market, with manufacturing slated for Indiana and the company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Slate’s chief commercial officer, Jeremy Snyder, made a bold statement during the event, declaring,

“The auto industry has been so focused on autonomy and technology in the vehicle, it’s driven prices to a place that most Americans simply can’t afford. But we’re here to change that.” 

CEO Chris Barman echoed this sentiment, adding,

“We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never been delivered.”

EV Pickup Specs and Customization Galore

Slate promises to price its truck at an incredibly low rate of under $20,000, with customers able to place a refundable $50 reservation on the company’s website, although the exact cost remains uncertain.

The base version will offer a 52.7 kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of 150 miles, powered by a single 150kW motor located on the rear axle. For those needing more range, Slate will also offer a larger battery pack that will extend the driving range to around 240 miles. Charging will be compatible with the North American Charging Standard port.

In terms of size, the Slate EV is smaller than its competitors, with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches and an overall length of 174.6 inches, making it more compact than the Ford Maverick.

The base version also includes a 17-inch wheel and a five-foot bed, a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds, and a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. In an innovative design twist, the truck features a “frunk” (front trunk) with 7 cubic feet of storage space, equipped with a drain, allowing users to fill it with ice for tailgate parties.

Endless Customization and “The Blank Slate” Concept

What truly sets Slate Auto apart is its unwavering commitment to customization. This isn’t just a truck you buy and drive; it’s a project vehicle that evolves with you. Slate offers over 100 accessories for the truck, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle as much or as little as they desire.

From infotainment screens to roof racks, the possibilities are endless. If you want to take things a step further, you can easily transform the truck into a larger SUV using modular components.

The vehicle is referred to as the “Blank Slate” for a reason, offering the chance for owners to name it and make it uniquely their own. Instead of painting the trucks, Slate is embracing the trend of vehicle wraps. This reduces costs and allows buyers to apply custom wraps themselves or have them done by Slate.

Slate offers “starter packs” and a suite of how-to videos through Slate University for those who aren’t inclined to dive into DIY work. It also allows users to personalize their trucks without technical know-how.

Safety and Future Outlook

While Slate’s truck is customizable and stripped down to the basics, it doesn’t lack safety features. The vehicle will come standard with federally mandated features such as automatic emergency braking, airbags, and a backup camera.

With deep-pocketed backers and ambitious goals, Slate aims to reshape the American automotive landscape. Despite the challenges that other automotive startups, such as Canoo, Fisker, and Lordstown Motors, Slate Auto is aiming for success with its affordable, customizable, and straightforward approach to electric vehicles.

Barman concluded the event with an optimistic vision, saying,

“We believe vehicles should be affordable and desirable,” adding that Slate’s truck is a vehicle people are actually going to love and be proud to own.”

With Slate’s commitment to delivering a truly unique and affordable EV, it will be interesting to see how it fares in the competitive electric vehicle market.