The Slate Truck is a bare-bones all-electric compact pickup from Slate Auto, priced at $24,950. The American startup builds every unit with no touchscreen, no speakers, and crank windows, aiming to deliver the most affordable new EV and the most affordable new pickup truck on the U.S. market.
The truck runs on a 181-horsepower rear motor with 195 lb-ft of torque and an estimated 205-mile range. The 174.6-inch body is 25 inches shorter than a Ford Maverick, yet carries a five-foot bed and a seven-cubic-foot frunk. Over 200 accessories let owners add speakers, install an SUV conversion kit, or cover the truck in one of 100-plus vinyl wrap colors.
Slate targets buyers who want affordability over amenity. The right-to-repair policy, free service manuals, and 4,000 independent partner shops make maintenance accessible. This review covers performance, pricing, features, safety, and how the Slate stacks up against the Ford Maverick.
What Is the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck is an all-electric two-door compact pickup manufactured by Slate Auto in Warsaw, Indiana, with a starting price of $24,950 and a factory configuration stripped to the bare essentials to keep production costs low. Every unit leaves the assembly line with unpainted gray composite panels and no built-in infotainment screen.
Here’s the thing: the design isn’t an oversight. Slate strips away features deliberately. The truck has no touchscreen, no speakers, and hand-crank windows. A small digital instrument cluster displays speed and shows the backup camera feed. Owners use their own smartphone for navigation and audio.
The truck can convert from a two-seat pickup to a five-passenger SUV. Slate offers three conversion kits: Squareback, Fastback, and Open Air. Each kit adds a roof structure, rear bench seat, and additional side curtain airbags. Owners install the kits themselves or visit a partner shop.
Standard Configuration vs. Available Upgrades:
| Feature | Standard | Available as Add-On |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | No | Tablet mount only |
| Audio system | No | Yes, via accessory |
| Power windows | No (crank) | Yes, via accessory |
| SUV body kit | No | Yes ($29,950+ factory) |
| Vinyl wrap | No (gray only) | Yes, from $500 |
Who Makes the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck is built by Slate Auto, a startup founded by veterans from Tesla’s early days and backed financially by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, with the mission to revive affordable, American-made transportation. The company manufactures every truck in Warsaw, Indiana.
Slate Auto calls its production strategy ‘Design for Manufacturing.’ A single vehicle configuration rolls down one assembly line, identical for every buyer. That approach eliminates the cost of a paint factory and removes the complexity of multiple option packages. The savings pass directly to the buyer in the form of a lower sticker price.
When Does the Slate Truck Go on Sale?
The Slate Truck opened preorders on June 24, 2026, with deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 from the Warsaw, Indiana production facility. The company had over 150,000 refundable reservations before the preorder period officially began.
Slate confirmed pricing, accessory availability, and updated specs alongside the preorder opening. Reservations use a refundable deposit. Buyers can configure their accessories and customize their truck before their production slot arrives. Consumer Reports reserved a Squareback SUV variant for testing at its track.
How Does the Slate Truck’s Electric Motor Work?
The Slate Truck uses a single permanent magnet synchronous rear motor rated at 181 horsepower (135 kW) and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a single-speed gear reduction transmission and a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Rear-wheel drive is the only available drivetrain configuration.
In fact, the electric motor delivers strong low-end torque instantly, which is a key EV advantage. Slate estimates a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds. That figure is close to the front-wheel drive Ford Maverick Hybrid, which ran 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds in independent testing. The Slate weighs approximately 4,050 pounds (1,837 kg).
Regenerative braking runs at full strength with no adjustable setting. The only option is one-pedal driving. Engineers told journalists they are still tuning the blend between regenerative and friction brakes. Buyers should expect the final production tuning to feel more refined than the prototypes journalists drove in mid-2026.
Slate Truck Powertrain Specs:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent magnet synchronous |
| Power output | 181 hp (135 kW) |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft |
| Battery capacity | 65 kWh LFP |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Estimated 0-60 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| Estimated range | 205 miles (330 km) |
| Efficiency | 96 MPGe |
What Is the Slate Truck’s Range?
The Slate Truck delivers an estimated 205 miles (330 km) of range on a full charge from its 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, based on manufacturer estimates aligned with EPA methodology. The EPA has not yet published an official rating for the vehicle.
Does 205 miles feel like enough? For daily commuters averaging under 40 miles per day, absolutely. The 205-mile figure positions the Slate below longer-range EVs like the Tesla Model 3 but above many city-focused alternatives. Real-world range will vary based on payload, temperature, and terrain. Buyers in colder climates should plan for reduced winter range of roughly 150-165 miles (240-265 km).
How Long Does the Slate Truck Take to Charge?
The Slate Truck charges from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes on a DC fast charger, using a Tesla-compatible NACS connector that supports up to 120 kW DC fast charging and 11 kW AC Level 2 charging. The NACS port sits on the left rear of the vehicle.
The NACS connector grants the Slate access to Tesla’s Supercharger network across the United States. That’s thousands of fast chargers available from day one. Most Level 2 home chargers deliver the full 11 kW rate, adding roughly 40-50 miles per hour of charging. The truck also supports standard J1772 adapters for compatibility with non-Tesla networks.
How Big Is the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck measures 174.6 inches (443 cm) long, 70.6 inches (179 cm) wide, and 69.3 inches (176 cm) tall, with a wheelbase of 108.9 inches (277 cm), making it roughly 25 inches shorter than the Ford Maverick and about six inches longer than a Volkswagen Golf. Ground clearance measures 7.8 inches (198 mm).
The five-foot bed stretches 60 inches (152 cm) in length and measures 42.9 inches (109 cm) wide between the wheel wells. Bed volume totals 35.1 cubic feet. That beats the Ford Maverick’s 33.3 cubic feet despite the Slate’s smaller overall footprint. The front trunk adds 7.0 cubic feet (198 liters) of enclosed storage under the hood.
The compact body makes the Slate easy to park in city environments. The turning circle measures 37 feet (11.3 m), tighter than most compact trucks. A lift kit is available as an accessory for buyers who need more off-road ground clearance than the standard 7.8 inches provides.
Slate Truck Dimensions:
| Measurement | Inches | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.6 in | 443 cm |
| Width | 70.6 in | 179 cm |
| Height | 69.3 in | 176 cm |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 in | 277 cm |
| Bed length | 60 in | 152 cm |
| Bed width (at wheel wells) | 42.9 in | 109 cm |
| Frunk volume | 7.0 cu ft | 198 L |
| Ground clearance | 7.8 in | 198 mm |
What Is the Slate Truck’s Towing Capacity?
The Slate Truck has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds (907 kg) and a payload rating of 1,550 pounds (703 kg), both revised upward from earlier specifications revealed during the preorder announcement in June 2026. The original tow rating was 1,000 pounds before the revision.
The 2,000-pound tow limit handles small trailers, lightweight boats, and utility loads. Think small-to-mid-size cargo trailers and personal watercraft. For context, a Ford Maverick Hybrid tows up to 2,000 pounds as well in standard configuration. Buyers who need to tow above 2,000 pounds will want to look at larger trucks with higher-capacity hitches.
What Features Does the Slate Truck Include?
The Slate Truck includes air conditioning, power door locks, old-school cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam assist, and a rearview camera as standard equipment on every unit. The digital instrument cluster displays speed, range, and camera output.
To be clear, this truck does skip features most buyers expect in 2026. There is no touchscreen, no built-in audio system, and no power windows. A universal phone mount sits on the dashboard. USB power outlets let drivers charge devices. The phone handles navigation, streaming, and over-the-air truck updates through the Slate app.
The interior uses cloth seats and durable plastics throughout. Climate controls use three physical rotary knobs located above the center console. A small glovebox is standard. A lock for the glovebox, a center console, and armrest cost extra as accessories. Most adult-sized drivers report adequate headroom and legroom in the front seats.
What Accessories Are Available for the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck supports over 200 factory accessories, with more than 80% priced under $500, including speakers, power windows, a center console, roof racks, lighting kits, a tablet mount, and a dedicated lock for the glovebox. Every accessory is designed for DIY owner installation.
Vinyl wraps cover the full exterior for approximately $500 to $700. The wrap catalog includes over 100 color options across multiple finishes. Slate’s first brand collaboration came with Crayola, bringing limited-edition color palettes to the wrap lineup. Accessory wheels, lift kits, bed liners, and tow hitches round out the catalog.
Here’s what no one tells you: the right-to-repair commitment is a real differentiator. Service manuals are free to download. Owners can perform warranty repairs at home or at any of 4,000 independent partner shops. No dealership visits are required for warranty service. That keeps long-term maintenance costs substantially lower than typical new vehicles.
Popular Accessory Categories:
- Full vinyl wraps (100+ color options, $500-$700)
- Speaker and audio systems
- Power window conversion kits
- Roof racks and cargo management
- Lift kits and off-road tires
- SUV conversion kits (Squareback, Fastback, Open Air)
- Interior upgrades (center console, seat covers, armrests)
- Lighting packages (fog lights, accent lighting)
Can the Slate Truck Convert to an SUV?
Yes. The Slate Truck converts from a two-seat pickup to a five-passenger SUV using factory kits that include a roll cage, rear bench seat, exterior shell, and two additional side curtain airbags, available in three distinct body configurations. The three SUV styles are Squareback, Fastback, and Open Air.
The Squareback adds a traditional boxy roofline with full rear window coverage. The Fastback features a slanted rear window for a sportier profile. The Open Air configuration removes doors and roof panels for a Wrangler-style open layout. And here’s the best part: the front seats slide far forward to allow easy entry to the rear bench.
SUV kits were originally sold as DIY-only installations. Slate announced factory-installed SUV options in June 2026 to widen accessibility. The Squareback starts at approximately $29,950 with factory installation. Buyers can still choose to buy the DIY kit and install the conversion at home or through a partner shop.
How Much Does the Slate Truck Cost?
The Slate Truck starts at $24,950 for the base Blank Slate pickup before destination charges and fees, making it the most affordable new electric vehicle and the most affordable new pickup truck currently available on the U.S. market. The typical real-world cost with common accessories runs $27,000 to $33,000.
The good news? Even at $27,000-plus with accessories, the Slate undercuts every comparable new pickup truck. The bad news? The original promise was different. Slate originally targeted a sub-$20,000 net price, backed by federal EV tax credits. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act repealed those credits. Slate stopped advertising the sub-$20,000 figure after the repeal.
The base $24,950 price is fixed and confirmed. A destination charge adds to that figure at purchase. The Squareback SUV version starts at $29,950. Buyers who add speakers, power windows, a center console, and a wrap will typically land in the $28,000 to $31,000 range for a well-equipped daily driver.
Slate Truck Pricing vs. Competitors:
| Vehicle | Starting MSRP | Drivetrain | Range/MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slate Truck (Blank Slate) | $24,950 | RWD electric | 205 miles |
| Slate Squareback SUV | $29,950 | RWD electric | 205 miles |
| Ford Maverick (base) | ~$30,000 | FWD hybrid | 42 MPG city |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV (car) | ~$27,000 | FWD electric | 259 miles |
| Nissan Leaf | ~$29,000 | FWD electric | 149-212 miles |
Is the Slate Truck Worth the Price?
The Slate Truck delivers strong value for buyers who prioritize low entry cost, American manufacturing, and deep owner customization over built-in technology and advanced powertrain options. The $24,950 base price with 205 miles of range has no direct competitor in the new truck segment.
Short answer: it depends on what the buyer values. The truck forces real trade-offs. No AWD. No touchscreen. Modest 205-mile range. Adding necessary accessories pushes the real-world cost higher. But here’s the thing — the Slate’s total cost of ownership is still well below most new trucks, even after adding key accessories, when fuel savings are factored in over five years.
The Ford Maverick starts at around $30,000 and includes more standard features right out of the box. The Slate undercuts that by $5,000 at base level. For buyers who want a simple, affordable work truck or urban commuter, the Slate offers a price-to-utility ratio that no other truck on the market currently matches.
What Do Slate Truck Reviews Say?
Slate Truck reviews consistently describe the vehicle as surprisingly nimble, charming, and fun to drive, with first-ride impressions from MotorTrend, Car and Driver, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds all noting strong low-end torque and confident handling for a basic electric truck. The driving experience exceeds expectations given the price.
And here is where it gets interesting: most reviewers reported feeling immediately comfortable in the Slate. The compact dimensions — just six inches longer than a VW Golf — give it great forward visibility and easy maneuverability. MotorTrend noted the Slate ‘felt quicker than its 0-60 estimate.’ Consumer Reports called its zip ‘quicker than you think.’
The interior receives mixed reactions across publications. Reviewers praise the roomy cabin, supportive seats, and great outward visibility. The criticism centers on cheap-feeling controls — particularly the steering wheel and physical stalks. The absence of a touchscreen earns both praise from simplicity fans and criticism from buyers who expect modern connectivity as standard.
What Are the Biggest Complaints About the Slate Truck?
The most common Slate Truck complaints focus on the limited 205-mile range, the absence of AWD, the basic interior quality including cheap-feeling controls, and the final pricing landing higher than Slate’s original sub-$20,000 promise. Crank windows also draw criticism at the revised price point.
The range of 205 miles (330 km) sits below the current EV average of around 250 miles. No AWD option exists today, and Slate has not confirmed plans for one. Buyers in snow-prone regions or on unpaved roads will find the RWD-only setup limiting. The truck’s McPherson front struts and five-link rear axle handle rough roads reasonably well, but deep mud and steep grades favor AWD vehicles.
The pricing shift disappoints buyers who pre-registered under the original sub-$20,000 marketing. The repeal of federal EV credits removed the mechanism Slate relied on to advertise that figure. The current $24,950 base is still extraordinary by any market measure, but it is not $19,999. Some buyers feel misled by the gap between the original promise and the final price.
How Does the Slate Truck Compare to the Ford Maverick?
The Slate Truck undercuts the Ford Maverick by roughly $5,000 at base price, carries more bed volume at 35.1 cubic feet vs. 33.3 cubic feet, and is 25 inches shorter overall, but the Maverick has four doors, AWD options, and more standard features built in from the factory. Both trucks tow up to 2,000 pounds in base configuration.
By comparison, the Ford Maverick includes a touchscreen and four seats at its base price. The Slate’s 8.0-second 0-60 time trails the Maverick Hybrid’s 7.4-second result slightly. The Slate’s electric drivetrain delivers lower fuel costs per mile. The Maverick’s hybrid powertrain offers more flexibility in areas without EV charging infrastructure.
The Maverick tows more in its EcoBoost configuration, reaching up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg). Buyers who frequently tow above 2,000 pounds should choose the Maverick. Buyers who want a smaller, more affordable daily driver with zero fuel costs favor the Slate. Both trucks appeal to budget-conscious buyers. The choice comes down to use case.
Is the Slate Truck Better Than the Ford Maverick?
The Slate Truck is better than the Ford Maverick for buyers who want the lowest price, the most compact footprint, and deep customization, but the Maverick is better for buyers who need four doors, higher towing capacity, AWD, or a built-in infotainment system. Neither truck wins in every category.
The Slate’s $24,950 base undercuts the Maverick by at least $5,000. The electric drivetrain eliminates fuel costs entirely for daily driving. The compact size outperforms the Maverick in urban environments with tight parking. The Maverick’s hybrid powertrain gives buyers a fallback on road trips where charging stops add time to the journey.
Is the Slate Truck Safe?
Yes. The Slate Truck is engineered to achieve a five-star NCAP crash rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a rearview camera standard on every unit. Official crash test results are pending at publication.
The truck’s Slateboard architecture uses a hybrid body-on-frame structure engineered to meet modern crash standards. Internal wall-slam tests have produced results consistent with the five-star target. Slate Auto engineers described the testing to journalists as ‘well within range’ of the five-star and Top Safety Pick goals ahead of the preorder opening.
What Safety Features Does the Slate Truck Have?
The Slate Truck includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam assist, and a rearview camera as standard safety equipment, with optional rear-seat airbags bundled into the SUV conversion kits. Power door locks are standard on every configuration.
Standard Safety Features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam assist
- Power door locks
The battery carries a 10-year or 110,000-mile powertrain warranty, placing it at the high end of the industry standard. The truck uses a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, a chemistry well known for thermal stability and a long service life. LFP batteries have a strong safety record across production EV fleets worldwide.
Pay attention to this: the right-to-repair approach also benefits safety maintenance. Free service manuals and access to 4,000 independent partner shops mean brake and suspension work stays affordable throughout the truck’s life. That keeps owners more likely to address maintenance needs promptly rather than deferring them due to cost.
Is the Slate Truck Worth It?
The Slate Truck is worth it for buyers who want the most affordable new electric vehicle on the U.S. market, value American manufacturing, and are prepared to personalize a bare-bones platform into the truck they actually need. The 205-mile range, right-to-repair philosophy, and 200-plus accessory catalog make it a genuine market disruptor.
Bottom line: the Slate asks buyers to do more work upfront. The base truck is sparse. Accessories cost extra. AWD is not available. But here’s the thing — that sparse base comes with a $24,950 price tag, a 10-year battery warranty, and the freedom to build exactly the truck a buyer needs without paying for features they do not want. Our team at Coffee Loving spent considerable time reviewing the Slate across multiple journalist accounts, and the consensus is clear: this truck punches well above its price in driving dynamics and customization value.
The Slate has 150,000-plus preorders and coverage from every major automotive publication. Consumer Reports reserved a unit. The enthusiasm from the public and the press signals Slate has identified a real gap in the market. Whether the company executes on its production timeline and final crash test results will determine if the Slate Truck becomes a genuine success story in American automotive history. The writers at Coffee Loving Cardmakers will be watching closely as deliveries begin in late 2026.
