Slate Auto unveils customizable electric truck for $20,000
- The electric vehicle startup Slate Auto has introduced its first customizable truck at a price starting from $20,000.
- The vehicle features a simple design with essential functionality, catering to consumers seeking affordable options.
- With this launch, Slate Auto aims to compete with established brands like Tesla, which has delayed its plans for a lower-cost electric vehicle.
In the United States, Slate Auto, an electric vehicle startup funded by Jeff Bezos, has launched its first zero-frills electric truck, aiming to disrupt the market with a starting price of $20,000. Announced on April 25, 2025, the vehicle is designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers while prioritizing affordability over luxury features. Scheduled for production in late 2026, the company promises a significant departure from higher-priced competitors, primarily targeting a demographic seeking accessible electric transportation options. The truck’s compact design lacks advanced technological amenities, focusing instead on customization. This move comes at a time when Tesla has struggled to deliver on its promise of a $25,000 electric vehicle, an initiative that Elon Musk has proposed multiple times since 2018. Despite his previous assertions about this vision, Musk reportedly halted the project in favor of advancements in self-driving technology, which he believes would overshadow a low-cost electric vehicle’s necessity. Slate Auto's entry into the market indicates a shift towards more simplistic, utilitarian electric vehicles. The design of Slate's truck is characterized by its boxy structure, minimal features, and customizable aspects, aligning it with the needs of consumers who value practicality over luxury. It features a basic setup, including two seats and a small truck bed, while options for additional features such as screens and speakers can expand the base model’s price. The emphasis on customization is highlighted in the company’s tagline, “We built it, you make it.” Slate Auto hopes to capitalize on the current market landscape, where the average electric vehicle price exceeds $59,000, making its model dramatically more affordable. The company’s strategy not only reflects a desire to cater to those previously unable to afford electric vehicles but also positions it as a competitor in the ongoing rivalry with established brands like Tesla. As electric vehicles gain popularity, Slate’s emphasis on a straightforward, affordable option could resonate well with a wide range of customers looking for less complexity and more accessibility in their vehicle choice.