Electric Cars

Slate Auto, an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, is poised to commence deliveries of its pickup truck as early as December, a notable acceleration from its initial projection of late 2026. This move positions the company to potentially disrupt the entry-level EV market with its affordable offering. While not all customers who placed preorders will receive their vehicles this year, a select group of early supporters, particularly those who made a non-refundable $300 deposit, have been given the option for expedited delivery. This development highlights Slate's ambition to overcome typical production hurdles faced by new automotive ventures and meet burgeoning demand.

It's uncommon for a nascent automaker to advance its delivery schedule, as establishing a car company and scaling manufacturing often encounter unforeseen logistical challenges. Many EV startups, and even established players like Tesla, have experienced delays in their launch timelines for new electric vehicles. However, a recent communication viewed by Business Insider indicated that Slate Auto extended an offer to certain preorder customers, allowing them to choose an earlier delivery slot, with December being the earliest available option. Previously, the company had only specified that sales would begin towards the end of the current year, without providing a definitive month.

Slate Auto initially attracted significant interest, with over 100,000 refundable $50 deposits placed. Following this, the company opened up non-refundable $300 preorders in June, securing an impressive 10,000 orders within the first few hours of availability. The recent email, specifically sent to these $300 preorder customers, sought to gauge their interest in an earlier delivery window. Reports suggest that interested individuals were presented with a dropdown menu, where December of this year was listed as the earliest possible delivery month. For customers preferring to wait, later delivery slots throughout 2027 were also provided, some with specific date ranges like "July-September 2027," while others were more general, such as "coming soon 2027." The exact number of customers eligible for a December delivery remains undisclosed.

With a starting price of $26,400, including destination fees, the Slate pickup truck is set to become the most affordable electric vehicle in the American market upon its launch, undercutting competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Bolt. It's important to note that this price point excludes various accessories that could increase the truck's overall cost. As the end of the year approaches, attention will be focused on Slate's ability to ramp up production efficiently and how its unique truck will perform in the competitive automotive landscape. The market is heating up, with new contenders emerging; for instance, preorders for the approximately $30,000 Ford Fathom are scheduled to open in early 2027. Unlike the Slate, which omits certain standard features, the Ford Fathom is expected to include amenities like power windows and a radio as standard. Furthermore, Ford has ambitious plans for its electric truck, aiming for 100,000 units in its first year, according to The Wall Street Journal. Slate, on the other hand, claims an annual production capacity of 150,000 trucks at its Indiana facility. The coming months will reveal how these low-cost electric trucks fare in the U.S. EV market.

Charge Up and Save Big This Labor Day Weekend!

Unprecedented Savings on EV Charging

Electric vehicle drivers planning road trips for Labor Day are in for a treat, as IONNA has announced a remarkable discount on its fast-charging services. Starting Friday, September 4, and running through Monday, September 7, the cost to charge an EV at any IONNA station will be reduced to an enticing $0.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), plus applicable taxes.

Significant Price Reduction Explained

This promotional rate represents almost a 50% decrease from IONNA's standard pricing structure. The usual network-wide cap for charging is $0.39 per kWh, with the added benefit of not requiring any paid membership to access these rates. To put this into perspective, a 50 kWh charge that would typically cost up to $19.50 before tax will now be just $10, offering a substantial saving of $9.50.

Exclusive Additional Discounts for Select Automakers

While all compatible EVs can take advantage of the $0.20 per kWh rate during the holiday weekend, drivers of vehicles from four of IONNA's eight founding automakers—BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and General Motors—can enjoy even greater savings. These additional discounts can be stacked with the Labor Day sale, provided the charging session is initiated through the respective automaker's app or via Plug & Charge technology.

Enhanced Savings for Specific Brands

For eligible BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz EV owners, the price per kWh will drop further to $0.16, plus tax. GM EV drivers will benefit from a rate of $0.18 per kWh, plus tax. At these reduced rates, a 50 kWh charge would cost BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes drivers $8, while GM drivers would pay $9. It is crucial for these drivers to use their automaker's app or Plug & Charge feature to activate these specialized discounts, rather than simply tapping a credit card at the charger.

IONNA's Growing Network and Advanced Technology

IONNA's network continues to expand rapidly, having surpassed 100 operational sites and nearly 1,000 charging bays by March. The company has an ambitious goal of establishing 30,000 online charging bays by the year 2030. Their "Rechargeries" are equipped with both NACS and CCS connectors, supporting charging speeds of up to 400 kW. This ensures that the promotional offer is accessible to a wide array of EV models, not just those from the founding automakers. Drivers can easily locate available stations, check connector types, and amenities using IONNA's dedicated Rechargery locator tool.