Electric Cars

Slate has made a significant entrance into the electric vehicle market, officially revealing the pricing for its highly anticipated "Blank Slate" electric pickup truck. Positioned to disrupt the industry with its aggressive starting price of $24,950, this new offering also boasts a substantially improved battery range and a unique modular design philosophy. The company aims to provide consumers with an accessible and customizable entry into electric trucking, promising deliveries by the end of the year to a substantial base of pre-orders.

The announcement took place at Slate's new design facility in Gardena, California, confirming prior speculations regarding its compelling price point. Although the $24,950 base price excludes an as-yet-undetermined destination charge, the company assures potential buyers that this fee will be minimal, aligning with the vehicle's overall affordability. This strategic pricing is a cornerstone of Slate's approach to the burgeoning EV pickup segment, targeting a wide demographic seeking cost-effective electric transportation solutions.

A notable enhancement for the "Blank Slate" is its upgraded battery system. Initially projected for a lesser range, the production model will feature a 63-kWh LFP battery, extending its estimated range to 205 miles on a single charge. This improvement is crucial for alleviating range anxiety among potential EV owners. Furthermore, the truck is equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, ensuring compatibility with Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, offering charging speeds up to 120 kW. For home charging, the integrated 11-kW AC charger can fully replenish the battery in approximately four hours via Level 2 equipment.

Slate's direct-to-consumer sales model eschews traditional dealerships, simplifying the purchasing process. The company also emphasizes customization, not only through its 100 available color wraps—many priced under $500—but also through its modular design. Owners can add a back seat and roof to transform the pickup into an SUV for an additional $5,000, or a fastback SUV for $7,000, all without an initial destination charge. Critically, these upgrades, along with others like lift or lowering kits, are designed to be user-installable, allowing owners to modify their vehicles as their budgets permit. A significant portion of available options are priced affordably, with 80% under $500, making personalization accessible.

In terms of performance, the "Blank Slate" is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle powered by an electric motor delivering 181 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. While not designed for extreme speed, it achieves 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph, making it well-suited for urban and suburban driving. The suspension system, featuring a MacPherson strut front and De Dion axle rear, provides a smooth and comfortable ride, attributed in part to its 108.9-inch wheelbase. The vehicle also offers impressive utility, with a payload capacity of 1550 pounds for the pickup and 1263 pounds for the SUV, along with a 2000-pound towing capacity. Additionally, a 7-cubic-foot front trunk and a spacious cabin offer practical storage solutions.

Slate's journey to market has generated significant interest, with the company reporting 180,000 reservations to date. Production is slated to begin with deliveries commencing in the fourth quarter of the current year. The manufacturer anticipates reaching its full production capacity of 150,000 units annually by late next year, signaling a strong commitment to meeting demand. This innovative approach to electric vehicle manufacturing, combining affordability, modularity, and practical design, positions Slate as a compelling contender in the evolving automotive landscape.

Slate's much-anticipated electric truck and SUV models have seen a significant price revision since their initial announcement in April 2025. While the original target price for the truck was around $20,000 after federal tax credits, the updated figures reveal a starting price of $24,950 for the truck and $29,950 for the SUV. Despite this increase, the company has incorporated substantial upgrades to the vehicles' performance and utility, aiming to justify the adjusted cost.

One of the most notable enhancements is the upgraded battery system. Both the truck and SUV will now feature a larger 65.0-kilowatt-hour lithium-iron-phosphate battery, providing an impressive driving range of up to 205 miles for the pickup variant. This represents a significant improvement over the previously announced 150 miles from a smaller 52.7-kWh pack. Although the single electric motor's horsepower has been slightly reduced from 201 to 181, the torque remains a robust 195 pound-feet, ensuring strong acceleration.

Performance figures released by Slate indicate that the truck can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.0 seconds and reach an estimated top speed of 90 mph. The truck's curb weight is 4,048 pounds, while the SUV is slightly heavier at 4,335 pounds. These specifications position the Slate vehicles as competitive options within the electric utility segment, balancing efficiency with practical capability.

Further improving their utility, Slate has increased the payload and towing capacities. The truck can now handle a payload of up to 1,550 pounds and tow up to 2,000 pounds. For the SUV, these figures are 1,263 pounds for payload and 1,824 pounds for towing. These expanded capabilities cater to the needs of hardworking individuals and businesses that require versatile and robust electric vehicles.

Slate emphasizes that its truck and SUV are designed for those seeking adaptable vehicles without excessive financial burden. The design philosophy focuses on simplicity, with half the number of parts found in a typical pickup, the absence of a large touchscreen interface, and the retention of physical controls. This approach also promotes ease of customization and repairability, allowing owners to tailor their vehicles to evolving requirements.

The company offers a range of customization options, enabling truck buyers to convert their vehicles into SUVs post-purchase, with choices of Squareback and Fastback designs. A wide array of accessories, exceeding 175 items, will be available, including stereos, roof racks, and seat covers. Additionally, Slate plans to offer over 100 vehicle wraps at launch, as all vehicles are initially manufactured in gray, providing an affordable way for owners to personalize their rides for under $500.

Slate is backing its new lineup with a comprehensive 10-year, 110,000-mile warranty covering the battery and powertrain, instilling confidence in buyers. The company anticipates commencing deliveries in the fourth quarter of the current year, marking a crucial step in bringing these innovative electric vehicles to the market.

Ultimately, whether the Slate Truck and SUV, priced at $25,000 and $30,000 respectively, offer compelling value is a question only time will answer. The company's focus on enhanced range, increased capacities, and user-friendly customization options aims to attract a market segment valuing practicality and adaptability in their electric vehicles.