SLATE EV PICKUP: A Radical “Blank Canvas” for the Electric Era
US Startup with 1st deliveries planned 2026.
NOT LIKELY TO SEE SALES OUTSIDE US.
In a market crowded with increasingly complex and expensive luxury vehicles, the upcoming Slate Truck takes a refreshing, minimalist approach. Designed as a truly customizable and affordable electric pickup, it strips away the “unnecessary stuff” to offer a base platform that owners can tailor to their specific needs.
With an estimated starting price in the mid-$20,000s (USD), it is positioned to be one of the most accessible EVs in the United States.
While range varies between 240 km (150 miles) and 390 km (240 miles) depending on the battery, the Slate focuses on utility, DIY modularity, and a unique “anti-luxury” philosophy.
Body Style and Size Segment
The Slate is a compact, two-door battery-electric pickup truck. It is intentionally designed to be shorter than traditional mid-size trucks, measuring approximately 4,435 mm (174.6 inches) in length, 1,793 mm (70.6 inches) in width, and 1,760 mm (69.3 inches) in height. Its compact footprint makes it highly maneuverable, with an optional kit available to convert the vehicle into a 5-seat SUV.
Platform Architecture
The Slate utilizes a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform powered by a single motor producing 150 kW (201 hp) and 264 Nm of torque. It offers two NMC battery options: a 52.7 kWh pack (approx. 240 km / 150 miles range) and an 84.3 kWh pack (approx. 390 km / 240 miles range). It achieves 0–100 km/h in approximately 8.5 seconds. DC fast charging is supported up to 120 kW (NACS standard), allowing a 20–80% charge in under 30 minutes.
Technical Capabilities
The Slate prioritizes simplicity over high-tech driver assistance; it does not include a built-in infotainment system, instead relying on a standard smartphone mount for navigation and audio. There is no factory-included V2L, V2H, or V2G suite, as the vehicle focuses on essential, analog-style controls and physical knobs for climate management.
Quality & Warranty
The interior is “bare-bones,” featuring fabric armrests and manual windows. The exterior uses unpainted, modular polypropylene panels designed for easy customization via vinyl wraps. Storage includes a 198-liter (7 cubic feet) front trunk (frunk) and a spacious 5-foot truck bed. Warranty details are pending final production, though the company targets a competitive structure typical for new EV entrants.
App Functionality
The Slate experience centers on the user’s smartphone. While not a “connected car” in the traditional sense, the company plans for essential over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote vehicle management to be facilitated through the owner’s mobile device.
3 Pros and 3 Cons
Pros: Unmatched entry-level pricing; high degree of modularity and personalization; compact size ideal for urban/work utility.
Cons: Very limited creature comforts (manual windows, no built-in screen); modest towing capacity; limited range on the base battery.
SmartGrandads View
The Slate Truck is a bold experiment, ideal for DIY enthusiasts, small-business owners, and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize utility over luxury tech. By rejecting the “loaded with features” trend, it offers a functional “blank slate” that can evolve with the owner. Currently, it is focused on the U.S. market, with production expected to ramp up in late 2026. It competes primarily with used electric vehicles or base-model light-duty internal combustion trucks, carving out a unique niche for those who want an EV that is as simple to manage as a smartphone.
Real world range estimates
Not Yet Available.