There are numerous choices and personalization options available, however, the pricing details have yet to be disclosed.
Slate has emerged as the latest player in the electric vehicle market, but they aren’t just hyping up an idea without substance. Over the past couple of years, they have discreetly worked on crafting a compact, stripped-down electric pickup truck. This model can be transformed into a five-passenger SUV through an optional add-on kit.
disclosed its initiatives on Thursday
With several operational prototypes readily available, which is not commonly seen from an electric vehicle startup. The major announcement? Once you factor inEV tax benefits, prices are expected to begin at less than $20,000.
Slate presents a strong argument, considering the typical expense of a new car exceeds twice its initial price tag. Therefore, when the firm declared that reservations were available for just a $50 refundable deposit, I decided to sign up. Not long after my reservation, Slate’s website became unavailable.
live with a configurator
It offers numerous customization options for your truck. That’s precisely what I took advantage of, and here are my customized creations for you to consider.
I kept things simple with the add-ons. To me, the appeal lies in having a standard truck without a price tag as high as a modest home. Slate provides numerous cosmetic modifications, ranging from various grilles and bumpers to fender flares, stripes, and accents both inside and out. However, I opted to leave all exterior features unchanged except for the paint job and wheel design.
This partial wrap, known as the Snow Dog, features silver sides combined with a colored upper section. I opted for Blue Steel, though Slate provides 12 different hues; alternatively, you could choose a customized tint at additional expense. The design captures a stylish 1980s bi-color aesthetic…which seems to be what Slate aimed for with this choice.
I replaced the steel wheels with 17-inch silver aluminum rims fitted with all-terrain tires. This choice necessitates opting for a raised suspension, though one might alternatively choose a lowered setup instead. While 20-inch wheels are available as well, they seem excessive in this scenario. Additionally, I had the option of installing running boards, adding a roof rack, selecting from various tail-light designs, changing the bumpers, applying stripes, affixing new badges, mounting a spare tire carrier, among many other modifications. However, my aim was to maintain simplicity.
This leads me to discuss the interior. The major highlight here is the absence of almost all features typically found in contemporary vehicles, such as power windows and basic amenities like a standard radio. My Slate comes fitted with an extended tablet holder, which basically provides me with a touch screen large enough for my aging eyes to navigate and enjoy music comfortably.
Regarding this, Slate provides integrated dashboard speakers, yet I opted for a Bluetooth speaker holder instead. I have always had reservations about contemporary audio setups featuring countless speakers; automobiles should not mimic home cinemas. Thus, a basic speaker linked to Spotify suffices for my needs.
I also have manual crank windows. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind having power windows as long as they aren’t absurdly expensive. The same applies to the numerous options for customizing the interior trim colors; you could make the Slate’s cabin vibrant and lively. Features such as an additional center console, which I’ve included in my specifications, add some extra functionality. There’s even space designed specifically for holding your sunglasses.
As Slate guaranteed, there are plenty of options to make your truck a truly unique vehicle. That said, this is even before considering the additional modifications.
SUV bolt-on kits
That adds either a square or fastback roof along with a rear seat. However, since there are no mentioned prices, I am quite anxious that Slate’s appealing starting price might significantly increase.
A pickup truck priced under $20,000 with manual windows, vinyl flooring, and no audio system seems appealing. However, if even minor customizations raise the price to $30,000—with the same manual windows, vinyl flooring, and lack of an audio system—it turns into
significantly
less interesting.
None of these options include upgrading the battery. The Slate features a 52.7-kWh battery, which provides approximately 150 miles of range. There’s also an optional 84.3-kWh battery available, increasing the estimated range up to about 240 miles. Considering my rural setting, I would prefer the larger battery pack. However, if adding it significantly increases the cost, then reconsideration might be necessary.
The test of time will reveal all. Slate has slated a production release for the fourth quarter of 2026. Keep an eye out as further information comes to light.
More On Slate:
- Slate’s Budget-Friendly Electric Vehicle Pickup Lacks a Screen and Relies on Your Phone for Updates
- Slate’s $25,000 electric truck will be a ‘game-changer.’
