Bezos-backed Slate Auto debuts analog EV pickup truck

a year ago

Slate Auto, a new American EV startup, debuts an affordable, customizable, and analog electric vehicle.
The vehicle features manual windows, no main infotainment screen, and comes unpainted, with the ability to transform from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV.
Slate Auto plans to offer its trucks for under $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit by the end of 2026.
The company is financially backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and plans to manufacture its vehicles in Indiana.
The base model includes a 52.7kWh battery with 150 miles of range, with an optional larger battery offering 240 miles. It uses Tesla's North American Charging Standard port.
The truck has a 1,400-pound payload capacity and 1,000-pound towing capacity, with a front trunk (frunk) featuring 7 cubic feet of storage.
Slate emphasizes deep customization, offering over 100 accessories and the option to wrap the vehicle instead of traditional painting.
The company aims to make up margins through customization options, which are marketed as easy DIY projects with support from Slate University.
Slate has raised over $111 million from investors, including Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter, and employs nearly 400 people.
The startup enters a volatile market but focuses on domestic manufacturing and affordability to stand out.

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