The American electric vehicle start-up Slate, which has received significant backing,
Amazon
founder
Jeff Bezos
, has recently introduced its inaugural model – an all-electric vehicle that begins as a pickup truck but can be expanded into various configurations, including a family-sized SUV or a sleek fastback 4×4.
The new model is named Slate because the concept revolves around beginning afresh—a budget-friendly pickup truck—that you can customize with wraps, accessories, or keep in its original form.
At its core, Slate represents an innovative aspect of industrial design, easy and inexpensive to produce using only one standard version listed at $25,000 (£18,765). This price might fall under £15,033 with federal benefits included. It positions itself as one of the most accessible options available.
cheapest EVs
available for purchase in the United States.
Over 100 additional items that can be purchased as packages will be offered through Slate. It’s designed to be straightforward for hobbyists to set up most of these add-ons independently; however, they have the option to enlist Slate retailers to handle installations instead.
The costs for the add-ons can vary between several hundred to multiple thousand dollars for individuals looking to convert the pickup truck Slate’s two-seater configuration with composite exterior panels and internal space into a five-passenger family SUV. Kits designed to alter the appearance and color of the exterior, deviating from the default slate gray of the Slate model, begin at around $500 (£376).
The pickup includes numerous smart design elements like a rear window that detaches and serves as an extension for the boot door on the SUV. Similar to many affordable vehicles, it lacks a centralized infotainment screen; instead, it offers basic instrument displays along with various mounts designed to hold tablets or smartphones.
The windows in the Slate use an older-style crank mechanism, with additional kits provided to upgrade them. Audio speakers are also optional, though the vehicle comes equipped with extensive safety features such as multiple airbags, traction and stability controls, and automatic emergency braking. It is expected to achieve a top rating of five stars in the UK NCAP collision tests.
The vehicle comes equipped with some premium features such as keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams for the headlamps. Additionally, besides offering 994 litres of cargo space within its 1,524mm long loading area, it also boasts a 198-litre front trunk located beneath the angular hood.
Two battery options will be offered: the standard version is anticipated to provide a range of about 150 miles, whereas the extended battery could extend this range up to approximately 240 miles based on U.S. testing. Additionally, rapid charging capabilities allow the Slate’s battery to increase its state of charge from 20% to 80% within roughly half an hour.
In American terminology, the Slate is comparable to a compact pickup truck. With dimensions measuring 4,434 mm in length, 1,793 mm in width, and 1,760 mm in height, it closely resembles the size of a Nissan Qashqai and would appear quite small next to something larger.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla has a length of 5,683 mm and a width of 2,413 mm. However, it can be positioned lower than the Slate when in entry/exit mode, with a height of 1,741 mm.
The cost of the Cybertruck far exceeds that of the Slate, despite recent reductions in Tesla prices aimed at boosting sales. Currently, the starting price for the Cybertruck is $62,490 following federal tax credits. Additionally, Tesla now holds an inventory of Cybertrucks available for immediate purchase in the United States.
The initial shipments of the Slate are scheduled for late 2026, even though you can secure your reservation with just a $50 deposit. For now, this model is exclusively available in the United States.
Slate has not yet verified the location for building the new vehicle; however, it will definitely take place within the United States. Additionally, the batteries sourced from a company based in South Korea will be manufactured in the U.S. as well, with the aim of avoiding any import duties.
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