Slate Launches $20K Minimalist Electric Pickup

Slate, a U.S. startup partially funded by Jeff Bezos, has launched a minimalist electric pickup truck named 'Truck,' targeting a sub-$20,000 price after federal incentives to become the most affordable EV pickup in the country. The Slate Truck features a basic configuration with crank windows, steel wheels, no infotainment system, and plastic body panels, all designed for easy customization and wrapping. Its modular design allows the vehicle to be converted into an SUV with an accessory kit, and over 100 additional accessories are planned. Buyers can choose between a standard battery and a larger optional battery offering up to 240 miles of range, and the truck's payload is comparable to the Ford Maverick. Manufacturing will be based in the U.S. Midwest, utilizing a streamlined process that avoids paint shops and metal stamping to keep costs low and bypass tariffs. Slate aims to disrupt the EV market by prioritizing affordability, modularity, and consumer-driven customization.