Exploring the Slate Truck: Beyond Just EV Minimalism

Slate Auto is taking a bold approach with its latest electric truck, betting that price is the key factor for many buyers. The American-made pickup will start at just $24,950, firmly placing it in the mid-$20,000 range it promised, making it the most affordable pickup and electric vehicle on the market today. In a landscape where the average new vehicle price is nearly double that, Slate is offering something rare: a straightforward, no-frills vehicle that doesn’t compromise on appearance.

To achieve this low price, Slate has removed features that many drivers have come to expect. The truck lacks a touchscreen, stereo, and even speakers, opting instead for a phone mount. Windows are operated with manual cranks, and unlike many modern vehicles that boast advanced autonomous features, this truck requires full driver engagement.

The timing seems right for this offering. Recent data shows the average new vehicle sold for $49,220, with small and midsize pickups averaging $43,044 and new EVs around $54,532. Slate’s truck is even cheaper than the average used vehicle, which sits at $26,918. Its closest competitor, the Ford Maverick, starts at about $30,000, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV is around $29,000.

For years, automakers have focused on adding more features, larger screens, and sophisticated software. Slate is flipping that trend on its head, believing that some buyers would prefer a more affordable truck over a premium sound system or a suite of driver-assistance technologies. After testing the truck in Southern California, I found that while the absence of a touchscreen and manual windows stands out, the vehicle feels surprisingly normal on the road.

Slate’s approach counters the industry trend of “trimflation,” where manufacturers bundle vehicles with more technology and luxury features to boost profits. As infotainment systems have expanded and software has become a major selling point, truly basic vehicles have become harder to find.

In many ways, Slate is reviving a segment that has largely vanished. Compact pickups like the Toyota Pickup, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Hardbody once served as affordable, utilitarian options for young buyers and tradespeople. However, as automakers pursued higher margins, pickups became larger, more luxurious, and significantly pricier. Today, even entry-level trucks are often loaded with luxury features. Slate is betting that there’s still a market for a truck that prioritizes affordability over frills.

That said, buyers can still customize their vehicles. Slate offers over 200 accessories, from speakers and seat covers to roof racks and trailer hitches, with 80% priced under $500. For about $5,000, owners can convert the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV, allowing for a wide range of personalization.

Slate aims to provide a straightforward base product while letting customers choose which upgrades they want. The company encourages a DIY approach to keep costs down, offering online video tutorials branded as “Slate U” for self-installation of various accessories. Customers can also have upgrades installed through a network of over 3,000 affiliated shops. The truck is sold directly to consumers at a fixed price, eliminating the need for dealer negotiations.

For around $500, buyers can add a vinyl wrap to change the vehicle’s look without the expense of a custom paint job. Other accessories, like headlight covers and interior trim pieces, are priced more like aftermarket upgrades than factory-installed options.

The truck’s core components are solid, too. Slate offers a 10-year or 110,000-mile warranty on the battery and powertrain, which is competitive within the industry. It’s designed for a five-star safety rating and includes features like air conditioning, power locks, basic cruise control, and a backup camera, indicating that not everything was sacrificed for affordability. Plus, it has a frunk with a drain for extra storage or as a makeshift cooler.

The success of Slate’s strategy hinges on a crucial question: have automakers been adding features that consumers don’t value as much as they value lower prices? Early signs suggest a positive response.

According to a recent consumer study, the top factors influencing Americans’ choice of a new vehicle brand are quality (58%), performance (51%), and price (46%). Other factors, like brand familiarity and feature sets, rank much lower. When it comes to the buying process, nearly two-thirds of consumers prioritize getting a good deal.

Slate’s philosophy is reflected in its target audience. The company describes its ideal buyer as an “everyday American” seeking value over luxury. Many potential customers have held onto older vehicles not out of dislike for new cars, but because they’ve been priced out of the market. Others are already accustomed to using their smartphones for navigation and music, making the lack of a built-in infotainment system less of a drawback than it once was.

After spending time with the truck, it feels surprisingly cohesive. Instead of feeling cheap, it comes across as intentionally minimal. In both pickup and SUV configurations, its boxy shape and simple lines harken back to the compact trucks and utility vehicles that were once common before pickups grew in size and price.

During a test drive around Gardena, California, the truck felt more like a compact crossover than a traditional pickup. It reminded me more of my hybrid Honda CR-V than my older Toyota Tundra. This is partly due to its electric architecture, which helps distribute weight evenly, resulting in a vehicle that feels stable and manageable.

While its performance may not rival a Tesla, it doesn’t need to. The truck accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in about three seconds and reaches 60 mph in roughly eight. For those used to gas vehicles, it feels impressively quick. The turning radius is tight, visibility is good, and the shorter wheelbase makes it easy to maneuver, making parallel parking a breeze compared to larger modern pickups.

The truck’s hauling capabilities also exceed earlier projections, with a payload capacity of up to 1,550 pounds and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. This is sufficient for landscaping materials, furniture, motorcycles, small trailers, or a modest fishing boat. While it may not replace a heavy-duty work truck, Slate isn’t targeting that market.

The estimated range is 205 miles, an improvement over the initial target of 150 miles, though still below what many higher-end EVs offer. Charging options include a standard household outlet, a Level 2 charger, or a DC fast charger that can add significant range in about 30 minutes.

So far, consumer interest appears strong, with Slate reporting around 180,000 reservations ahead of production, set to begin at its Indiana factory before customer deliveries start in the fourth quarter. The company anticipates annual production reaching 150,000 vehicles by the end of 2027.

Whether these reservations will convert into sales remains to be seen. However, with new vehicle prices nearing $50,000 and automakers continuing to load cars with technology and features, Slate is testing a refreshingly simple idea: perhaps what many Americans truly want isn’t more tech, but an affordable new vehicle.