Customizable and Affordable Workhorse Electric Vehicle: Slate Debuts as a Minimalistic, Budget-Friendly EV Option
Going Green, Slate-Style: A Budget-Friendly EV for the Common Man
Slate, an electrical vehicles (EV) startup, is shaking things up in the American market by offering an eco-conscious, yet affordable option. With a starting price of just $20,000, Slate's "blank slate" vehicle aims to provide customers with an opportunity to customize their ride to their heart's content without breaking the bank.
The basic, 4434mm (or 174.6-inch)-long, two-seat pick-up can easily be transformed into a spacious five-seat boxy or fastback SUV thanks to an extensive collection of flatpack accessories. Plus, there's a range of vinyl wrap kits that let owners personalize the look of their vehicle in a DIY-friendly fashion.
Slate's vision remains straightforward, affordable, and robust. Steady wheels rather than fancy alloys, manual crank windows instead of electric ones, and a customer’s smartphone as the universal infotainment screen are all part of the plan to maintain a low cost while maintaining practicality.
The standard 52.7kWh battery pack and 150kW rear-wheel drive electric powertrain should deliver around 150 miles of driving before needing a recharge. For those who need more mileage, an 84.3kWh battery pack accessory offers up to 240 miles. Safety isn't sacrificed either, with active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to eight airbags onboard.
Deliveries of this full-electric truck, made in Indiana, US, are scheduled to begin at the end of 2026. Amazon's Jeff Bezos is among Slate's notable backers, and we at our website were fortunate enough to chat with Slate's head of design, Tisha Johnson, about the project's progress and aims.
our website: Tisha, what drew you to Slate?
Tisha Johnson (TJ): As I reflected on my career, I realized that I wanted to tackle a project that would bring an affordable vehicle to a market that has been overlooked. In design school, many of my peers focused on luxury or premium offerings. However, affordable cars have a massive impact on people's lives, and they are not easily accessible, especially in the US.
our website: Who's on the design team at Slate?
TJ: Slate had fewer than 20 employees when I joined in December 2022. Now we have several hundred, but only a handful of designers, most of whom are from the automotive industry, including those from Rivian and Ford.
our website: How are you able to offer such a low starting price?
TJ: Slate's manufacturing process emphasizes simplicity, reducing complexity, and using off-the-shelf parts wherever possible. One example of this is the elimination of a paint factory, which significantly reduces costs.
our website: What's the bodywork made of?
TJ: The vehicle is not constructed from steel panels but plastic polycarbonate, which is injection-molded and can have color embedded.
our website: How are you addressing customers who want different looks?
TJ: With injection-molded body parts, it becomes easier to create coat patterns around the vehicle. We use patterns to create pre-cut wrap shapes that work with the vehicle's design. We apply this thinking extensively throughout.
our website: Will you provide services for customers who want help customizing their vehicles?
TJ: The vehicle is designed to be DIY-friendly, but if a customer wants assistance, we'll have a network of service providers they can turn to. Customization doesn't stop at vinyl wraps; there are numerous accessories available, like an SUV kit with a rear bench that transforms the vehicle from a two-seater into a five-seater.
our website: What stage is the vehicle development at now?
TJ: We are currently in the prototype phase and early pre-production. The goal is to have our first vehicle rolling off the production line by the end of 2026.
our website: How will Slate sell these vehicles?
TJ: Directly to the consumer, in a simple and straightforward manner. We aim for the buying process to be hassle-free and straightforward, allowing customers to own their vehicles for a long time while continuing to personalize and make them special.
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Learn more about Slate's electric trucks on Slate.Auto (@SlateAuto).
- The electric vehicle startup, Slate, is entering the American market with its affordable EV offering, appealing to a broader audience, especially the common man.
- Slate's design team is composed of professionals from various backgrounds in the industry, including those from Rivian and Ford, focusing on maintaining simplicity to reduce costs and offer an accessible, low-priced vehicle.
- The bodywork of the Slate vehicle is made of plastic polycarbonate, which is injection-molded with color embedded, catering to customers who desire personalization.
- Slate plans to sell its electric vehicles directly to consumers, aiming for a hassle-free buying process and encouraging long-term ownership, as the entrepreneurial venture dives into the nascent electric-vehicles market with an innovative approach.
