SLATE EV PICKUP: American EV Dream Vehicle?
US Startup with 1st deliveries planned 2026.
NOT LIKELY TO SEE SALES OUTSIDE US.
The 2026 Slate EV Pickup is an anti-luxury, highly customizable electric truck challenging the EV status quo. With a target base price around $27,000, it focuses on utility, simplicity, and DIY modularity, making it an affordable “blank slate” for owners to build upon.
Body Style and Size Segment The Slate Pickup is a 2-door, 2-seat, compact pickup truck designed to be smaller than competitors like the Ford Maverick. Its dimensions are approximately 174.6 inches long (4,435 mm), placing it firmly in the compact utility segment. It features a five-foot bed and unpainted, dent-resistant composite body panels.
Platform Architecture, Voltage, Range & Efficiency The vehicle utilizes a simple, rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive architecture operating on a 400-volt system, using a NACS (Tesla) charge port. Available battery options are a standard 52.7 kWh pack providing an estimated 150 miles of range, or an 84.3 kWh long-range pack estimated at 240 miles. DC fast charging peaks at 120 kW.
Technical Capabilities (Driver Assistance Features) Driver assistance features are limited to essential safety systems. Standard equipment includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and a Rearview Camera displayed on the small digital gauge cluster. Advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) are intentionally omitted for simplicity.
Quality of the Interior, Storage Capacity (Front & Rear) The interior is intentionally basic and durable, prioritizing function over luxury. It features manual crank windows, physical controls, and a bench seat. Storage includes a 7.0 cubic-foot frunk (Front Trunk) and a standard 5-foot rear bed with a maximum payload of 1,433 pounds.
App Functionality The vehicle has no native infotainment screen or apps. App functionality relies entirely on the owner’s smartphone or tablet (mounted via standard holder/optional dock). The dedicated Slate App handles essential functions like checking current range and locating charging stations.
3 Pros and 3 Cons of Having this Car
Pros: 1. Highly affordable base price; 2. Extreme modularity and DIY customization options; 3. Compact size makes it excellent for urban utility.
Cons: 1. Low standard range (150 miles); 2. Highly basic cabin (e.g., manual windows, no stereo); 3. Modest towing (1,000 lbs) and payload capacity.
Overall Summary, a short paragraph about this car compared to its competitors. The Slate Truck is a stark contrast to its key rivals, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. While competitors offer more traditional car-like comforts, higher towing, and integrated technology at a higher price, the Slate leans into minimalism. It targets budget-conscious buyers and fleets who value low cost, simplicity, and the ability to customize or repair the vehicle themselves without complex electronics.
Real world range estimates
Not Yet Available.