Slate

Slate

Slate Auto, an American electric vehicle (EV) startup founded in 2022 and headquartered in Troy, Michigan, has emerged from stealth mode with a bold mission: to make EVs radically affordable and customizable. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and other prominent investors, Slate unveiled its first vehicle—the Slate Truck—on April 24, 2025. This compact, rear-wheel-drive electric pickup is designed with simplicity and cost-efficiency in mind, featuring a minimalist design, crank windows, and a standard gray composite body. The base model, known as the "Blank Slate," is priced at approximately $27,500, which drops to under $20,000 after applying the federal EV tax credit, making it the most affordable EV in the U.S. market.

Slate's approach to affordability extends beyond the vehicle's base price. The company emphasizes modularity and user customization, offering over 100 accessories that allow owners to tailor the vehicle to their needs. These include options to convert the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV using a flat-pack kit, as well as add-ons like power windows, infotainment systems, and various exterior wraps. This DIY-friendly philosophy is supported by "Slate University," an online platform providing instructional content for vehicle modifications. Production is slated to begin in late 2026 at a facility in the Midwest, with pre-orders available for a refundable $50 deposit.

Slate's innovative strategy positions it as a disruptor in the EV market, targeting consumers who have been priced out of the current offerings. By stripping down the vehicle to its essentials and allowing for incremental customization, Slate addresses the affordability crisis in the automotive industry. The company's focus on simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and user empowerment challenges the conventional approach to EV manufacturing and could potentially reshape consumer expectations and industry standards.