Bezos-Backed $25K Transforming EV Truck Challenges Tesla

Jeff Bezos-backed startup Slate Auto has unveiled an innovative electric truck with a starting price of just $25,000—featuring a unique design that transforms from a compact pickup to a five-seat SUV using bolt-on kits. This affordable EV could cost as little as $20,000 after federal incentives, significantly undercutting current electric pickups that typically exceed $100,000.

Key Takeaways

Slate's transformable electric truck starts at $25,000 and converts between pickup and SUV configurations
Uses a "Blank Slate" design philosophy with manual windows and no built-in infotainment to minimize costs
Offers 150-240 mile range depending on battery option, with access to Tesla's Supercharger network
Features over 100 customization options letting buyers add only the features they want
Expected to be the cheapest electric pickup in the US market when deliveries begin in late 2026

Slate SUV pack

Revolutionary "Blank Slate" Approach to EV Design

Slate Auto's approach to electric vehicle design is refreshingly simple and cost-effective. The truck comes in "natural slate gray" without factory paint, with wraps offered as alternatives for personalization. This minimalist philosophy extends to the interior, where you'll find manual crank windows and analog controls instead of costly electronic systems.

The vehicle skips built-in infotainment in favor of a universal phone/tablet mount, allowing owners to use devices they already own. Despite these cost-saving measures, Slate hasn't skimped on essentials—air conditioning and digital instrumentation come standard.

CEO Chris Barman explains the thinking behind this approach: "There's a massive population of people out there when it comes to safe, reliable, affordable transportation; there just really aren't many alternatives for them."

Shape-Shifting Capability Sets Slate Apart

The most distinctive feature of Slate's electric truck is its transforming capability. The base model is a two-seat pickup, but it can be converted into a five-seat SUV using bolt-on, flat-pack kits available in both boxy and fastback styles.

This modular approach extends to other aspects of the vehicle—different roof types and even doorless versions can be configured. Buyers who enjoy DIY projects can install these modifications themselves, or Slate can handle the upgrades for those who prefer professional installation.

Performance and Technical Specs

Despite its affordable price tag, the Slate truck delivers respectable performance for daily driving needs. The base model includes a 52.7 kWh battery providing 150 miles (240 km) of range, while an optional 84.3 kWh battery extends that to 240 miles (390 km).

Power comes from a single rear-mounted motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. This setup delivers a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h)—modest by premium EV standards but perfectly adequate for everyday use.

Charging capabilities include DC fast charging up to 120 kW, allowing the battery to go from 20-80% in approximately 30 minutes. The inclusion of a NACS charge port gives owners access to Tesla's Supercharger network, addressing a common concern about charging infrastructure.

Practical Utility and Safety Features

With a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (454 kg) and a payload rating of 1,433 lbs (650 kg), the Slate truck offers practical utility for light-duty tasks. The vehicle weighs 3,602 lbs (1,634 kg)—comparable to a Ford Maverick—and provides 1,048 liters of bed volume with the tailgate closed.

Slate hasn't compromised on safety, including automated emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and up to 8 airbags. The vehicle also comes with standard traction and electronic stability control. The company is targeting a five-star NCAP safety rating in its ongoing testing program.

Disrupting the Electric Truck Market

At $20,000 after federal incentives, the Slate truck could become the most affordable electric pickup in the US market. This positions it far below current options like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, which all exceed $100,000 in typical configurations.

While Tesla has long promised a $25,000 electric car, it has yet to materialize. Slate's approach of offering a basic model with optional upgrades allows buyers to pay only for the features they want, making electric vehicle ownership accessible to a much broader segment of consumers.

From Concept to Reality

Slate Auto has reportedly raised $111 million in funding as of 2023, with significant backing from Jeff Bezos. The Michigan-based startup plans to manufacture vehicles at an Indiana facility, with production vehicles expected to begin deliveries in late 2026.

Reservations are currently open with a fully refundable $50 fee. The company plans to use a direct-to-consumer sales model, similar to other EV startups, bypassing traditional dealership networks.

If successful, Slate's approach could trigger a shift in the electric vehicle market toward more affordable, customizable options—potentially accelerating EV adoption among budget-conscious consumers who have thus far been priced out of the electric revolution.