Slate Auto has announced pricing details for its debut electric truck, starting at $24,950 excluding fees, with a base model range now boosted to about 205 miles. The company also introduced a convertible SUV variant starting at $29,950 and previewed user-friendly build and modification tutorials.
- Base electric truck priced at $24,950 with 205 miles range
- Convertible SUV version starts at $29,950, customizable by owners
- Direct sales with no traditional dealerships; Carvana collaboration possible
What happened
Slate Auto, an electric vehicle startup supported by Jeff Bezos, revealed the starting price for its first electric truck to be $24,950. This price excludes taxes, fees, and optional add-ons. Notably, the base model’s estimated driving range has increased from the initially planned 150 miles to approximately 205 miles, although this change has led to shelving a higher-capacity battery option.
The company also confirmed pricing for its convertible SUV variant, which starts at $29,950. This innovative EV can transform from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV by owner or professional modification, supported by the newly released 'Slate University' tutorial videos. The truck features a minimalist design with basic amenities to reduce costs.
Why it matters
Slate’s aggressive pricing makes it one of the most affordable new electric vehicles in the US, aimed at capturing entry-level buyers who currently face limited low-cost EV choices. Its base price is significantly lower than comparable electric models like the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf, and undercuts upcoming low-cost offerings from major automakers such as Ford.
This move arrives amid a challenging regulatory environment where federal incentives for EVs have decreased, prompting some automakers to delay electric vehicle launches. Slate’s straightforward design and direct sales approach bypass traditional dealership costs, potentially creating a new market niche and challenging conventional EV distribution models.
What to watch next
Slate Auto’s next steps will include fulfilling preorders, expanding customization options, and refining its direct sales platform. The company’s collaboration with Carvana, which has secured warrants to purchase Slate shares, could signal innovative sales and distribution partnerships disrupting the typical new car market.
Investors will be watching how successfully Slate balances affordability with range and feature trade-offs, as well as consumer acceptance of its minimalist, modular design. Updates on production scale, delivery timelines, and expansion of variants or battery options will be key indicators of Slate’s trajectory in the competitive EV startup landscape.