## The Anti-Tesla? Bezos-Backed Slate Auto Unveils Radically Affordable, Customizable EV Pickup
Slate Auto, a new American electric vehicle startup, has officially launched, promising a stark contrast to the high-tech, high-priced EV landscape dominated by Tesla. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is betting big on affordability, customization, and a decidedly “analog” approach to electric vehicles.
The three-year-old company unveiled its first vehicle, an electric pickup truck, at an event in Long Beach, California, on Thursday night. The headline? A starting price of under $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit, with deliveries slated for the end of 2026.
This debut follows TechCrunch’s earlier report detailing Slate Auto’s ambitious plans to enter the US market, build its trucks in Indiana, and its financial ties to Bezos.
“The auto industry has been so focused on autonomy and technology in the vehicle, it’s driven prices to a place that most Americans simply can’t afford,” said Jeremy Snyder, Slate Auto’s chief commercial officer, during the event. CEO Chris Barman added, “We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never been delivered.”
### Stripped Down and Ready to Build Up
The Slate Auto pickup embraces a minimalist philosophy. Manual windows, no standard infotainment screen, and even an unpainted exterior are all part of the base package. The focus is on stripping away unnecessary frills to achieve that sub-$20,000 price point. The truck even boasts a unique transforming capability, shifting from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV configuration.
While the exact pricing details remain under wraps, interested buyers can currently place a $50 refundable reservation on the company’s website.
### Slate Auto: A Look at the Specs
The base model will offer an estimated 150 miles of range from its 52.7kWh battery pack, powering a single 150kW motor on the rear axle. For those seeking greater distances, a larger battery pack promising around 240 miles of range will be available. The vehicle will utilize the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, pioneered by Tesla and now widely adopted by major automakers.
Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the truck features a five-foot bed, a projected 1,400-pound payload capacity, and a 1,000-pound towing capacity. In lieu of a traditional engine, a front trunk (frunk) provides 7 cubic feet of storage space, complete with a drain for tailgate party ice storage.
While the towing capacity is less than the Ford F-150, and even slightly less than the Ford Maverick, the Slate EV is noticeably smaller overall. Its wheelbase measures 108.9 inches, with an overall length of 174.6 inches, compared to the Maverick’s 121.1-inch wheelbase and 199.7-inch overall length.
### Customization is Key
Slate Auto’s business model hinges on customization. The company plans to launch with over 100 different accessories, allowing buyers to personalize their trucks to their specific needs and preferences. For those who find the options overwhelming, Slate will offer curated “starter packs” to simplify the selection process.
The unpainted exterior further emphasizes this customizable approach. Slate Auto will offer wrapping kits, allowing owners to personalize the color and appearance of their vehicle, either through DIY application or professional installation. This strategy allows Slate to avoid the costly and heavily regulated paint shop process, streamlining manufacturing and reducing expenses.
Even the vehicle’s name is customizable. While the base model is referred to as the “Blank Slate,” customers can purchase an embossed wrap for the tailgate featuring their chosen name.
As previously reported, Slate Auto hopes to generate substantial revenue through these customization options, offsetting the relatively low price of the base vehicle.
Slate executives emphasize that the modularity extends beyond aesthetics. Owners can “make the Blank Slate yours at the time of purchase, or as your needs and finances change over time.” The company will provide DIY installation resources through “Slate University,” offering easy-to-follow how-to videos.
The early catalog of customizations ranges from practical additions like infotainment screens, speakers, and roof racks to cosmetic upgrades like light covers. The transformative options, allowing the truck to morph into an SUV configuration, are a significant offering. Slate claims these transformations are reversible and require no specialized mechanical expertise.
Crucially, despite the focus on minimalism, the Slate Auto truck comes standard with federally mandated safety features, including automatic emergency braking, airbags, and a backup camera.
### Navigating a Challenging Landscape
The path to success for American automotive startups is notoriously difficult. Recent bankruptcies of companies like Canoo, Fisker, and Lordstown Motors underscore the challenges. Even established startups like Rivian and Lucid Motors are facing significant financial pressures as they strive to reach high-volume production.
Slate Auto is attempting a different approach, prioritizing a low-cost EV and relying on customization revenue to achieve profitability.
The company has raised over $111 million to date, with backing from Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and controlling owner of the LA Dodgers. With nearly 400 employees and active hiring underway, Slate Auto is entering a volatile market at a crucial time. However, its focus on domestic manufacturing might provide some insulation from global supply chain disruptions and other challenges facing the automotive industry.
“We believe vehicles should be affordable and desirable,” Barman concluded, adding that Slate Auto’s truck “is a vehicle people are actually going to love and be proud to own.” Whether the “Blank Slate” can deliver on this promise remains to be seen, but its unique approach to affordability and customization is certainly shaking up the EV market.
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