Slate EV Truck Auto, a U.S.-based electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has officially entered the EV scene with the debut of its first vehicle—a budget-friendly, highly customizable, analog-style electric pickup truck. The announcement was made during a launch event in Long Beach, California, where the company introduced a model that bucks current trends in EV design by ditching modern luxuries in favor of affordability and user control.
Dubbed the “Blank Slate,” the truck is a radical departure from the high-tech, software-heavy EVs dominating the market. With manual windows, no central infotainment screen, and even an unpainted exterior, the vehicle takes a minimalistic approach. Yet it offers flexibility, transforming from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV. Slate EV Truck Auto plans to sell the base model for under $20,000—after applying the federal EV tax credit—by the end of 2026. Reservations are now open for $50 on the company’s website.
Slate’s leadership made it clear that their goal is to challenge the rising costs of electric vehicles. “We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never delivered,” said CEO Chris Barman. Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder added that the industry’s tech obsession has priced out most Americans, and Slate aims to reverse that trend.
Specs and Performance With Simplicity in Mind
While Slate has not confirmed a fixed price, the base model will feature a 52.7kWh battery offering a 150-mile range, powered by a 150kW rear motor. A larger battery option with 240 miles of range will also be available. The vehicle will use the North American Charging Standard, originally developed by Tesla.
Performance-wise, the “Blank Slate” comes with 17-inch wheels, a five-foot truck bed, a 1,400-pound payload capacity, and a 1,000-pound towing capacity. Though smaller than traditional pickups like the Ford F-150 or even the Ford Maverick, the Slate EV Truck has a 108.9-inch wheelbase and a 174.6-inch length—making it more compact and city-friendly.
Functionality is a key focus. With no engine in the front, the truck includes a “frunk” (front trunk) that holds seven cubic feet and features a drain, perfect for tailgating. The company is clear: this truck is not for towing massive loads or luxury cruising—it’s a tool, a blank canvas for those seeking function over flash.
Customization, Simplicity, and a New Business Model
What truly sets Slate EV Truck apart is its deep commitment to customization. At launch, the company plans to offer over 100 accessories, from roof racks to infotainment screens, light covers, and more. Buyers can personalize the truck with curated starter kits or mix and match parts to their liking. Even the exterior wraps are optional DIY kits, allowing customers to apply their preferred colors or finishes at home.
The modular design goes even further—users can convert the pickup into an SUV and back, with no professional mechanic required. Slate will provide instructional content through its platform “Slate University,” empowering even non-technical buyers to handle upgrades themselves.
Slate’s minimalist design also helps cut production costs, as it eliminates the need for a paint shop—one of the most expensive and heavily regulated components in vehicle manufacturing. This streamlined model, combined with its accessory-focused revenue strategy, could provide the financial sustainability that has eluded many EV startups.
Despite launching in a volatile market, Slate has already raised over $111 million from investors including Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners. With nearly 400 employees and plans for domestic production in Indiana, Slate EV Truck is positioning itself as a practical and people-focused alternative in an industry defined by complexity and high price tags.
“We believe vehicles should be affordable and desirable,” Barman said. “And the ‘Blank Slate’ is one people can truly make their own.”
Visit CIO Women Magazine For The Most Recent Information.
