The Slate Pickup Truck is one of the most talked-about newcomers to the electric truck scene. It stands out not because it tries to beat full-size rivals like Ford or GM on capability, but because it reimagines what an affordable, customizable electric pickup can be.
Instead of focusing on luxury or performance, Slate Auto has aimed for simplicity, utility, and modular thinking.
This truck could change the way people think about entry-level EVs and urban pickups. Its bare-bones design strips back what most trucks include by default, opening space for personalization and purpose-built customization.
Whether you need a simple hauler for business or a fun project you can personalize over time, Slate’s pickup offers something genuinely different.
Quick Look at Key Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single rear-mounted electric motor |
| Power Output | 201 hp, 195 lb-ft torque |
| Battery Options | 52.7 kWh (150 mi range), 84.3 kWh (240 mi range) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 0–60 mph | ~8.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~90 mph |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | ~1,433 lbs |
| Charging | Up to 120 kW DC fast charging |
| Layout | Two-seat, two-door pickup |
| Launch | Expected late 2026 production start |
| Price (USA) | ~USD 27,000 base before incentives |
| Color Options | Single unpainted gray with wrap options |
These details reflect Slate’s focus on cost-effective engineering and user creativity rather than traditional truck feature sets.
What Makes Slate Unique
Most trucks today are feature-packed from the factory. Slate rejects that trend. The base model is purposefully stripped down. There’s no touchscreen, no built-in infotainment system, no power windows, and no conventional paint finish.
Instead, the truck uses a basic gray composite body that is durable, lightweight, and intended to be a blank canvas.
Customization is core to Slate’s strategy. Buyers can choose from a growing catalog of accessories that range from simple add-ons like power windows or upgraded seats to more transformative kits.
One of the most talked-about is the SUV conversion kit, which turns the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV-style vehicle. This modular approach means the Slate Pickup becomes what you need it to be over time, not just at the point of sale.
Slate also embraces open-source customization. The company has encouraged third-party and DIY contributions, allowing home mechanics and hobbyists to get creative with their vehicles. For buyers who want something truly unique, this is a compelling offer.
Design and Practicality
Compared with traditional pickups, especially full-size trucks, the Slate is compact and intentionally simple. At roughly 174.6 inches long, it’s actually smaller than many compact trucks on the market. Its length and lightweight build make it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Power comes from a single rear motor, producing a respectable 201 horsepower. The battery options give drivers a choice between a modest 150-mile range or a longer-range 240-mile option.
Charging uses a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, supporting up to 120 kW fast charging, which can top the battery from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Towing and payload specs are modest by truck standards, but adequate for everyday tasks. The Slate can tow about 1,000 pounds and handle around 1,433 pounds of payload, positioning it as a light-duty truck meant for everyday errands, small business tasks, or adventure gear hauling.
Pricing and Availability
Slate’s pricing strategy grabbed headlines because of its ambitious target. Initially, the company talked about a price “under $20,000” with federal tax incentives. Due to changes in EV tax policy, the base price now sits around USD 27,000 before incentives. Even at this price point, it represents one of the most accessible electric pickups announced so far.
Production is expected to begin in late 2026 at a repurposed facility in Warsaw, Indiana, USA, with Slate planning to scale annual output quickly if demand holds.
Who the Slate Pickup Is For
The Slate Pickup Truck isn’t for everyone. If you want a luxury truck with sophisticated driver assist tech, leather seats, and a high towing capacity, you’ll be disappointed. But if what you value is:
- Affordable entry into electric vehicle ownership
- A platform you can customize and upgrade over time
- A compact and practical pickup for light work and lifestyle use
- A truck that breaks conventional thinking about vehicle ownership
Slate could be exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s especially well-suited for urban users, small business owners, outdoor enthusiasts, and DIY auto fans who want to shape their truck to match their needs rather than buying a one-size-fits-all vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The Slate Pickup Truck represents a fresh take on electric pickups. It skips bells and whistles so buyers can focus on utility, affordability, and personalization. Whether it becomes a mainstream success remains to be seen, but it has already stirred conversation in the automotive world as an antidote to ever-higher vehicle prices and a step toward accessible EV ownership.
For fans of trucks that are simple, fun, and honestly defined by the owner, Slate might be the pickup that changes expectations for the future.