Slate EV Truck Pre-Orders to Open June 24 Amid Pricing Uncertainty
The company reports over 160,000 reservations for its budget-focused "Blank Slate" model, though Jeff Bezos has recently lost his board seat despite remaining a key investor.
Slate has confirmed that pre-orders for its all-electric truck will commence on June 24, marking a significant milestone for the manufacturer known for its no-frills approach to electric mobility. The company, which has drawn comparisons to Spirit Airlines for its utilitarian design philosophy, is restricting initial access to customers who previously paid a $50 refundable reservation fee. These eligible buyers can finalise vehicle configurations and lock in a delivery window by submitting a non-refundable $300 fee.
The introduction of the pre-order phase highlights the evolving cost structure of the vehicle. When the Slate truck was initially announced, the company marketed a $20,000 price point as a key selling feature. However, that figure was predicated on the availability of a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles. With the Trump administration’s removal of this credit, the final cost to consumers has become uncertain. Slate estimates that the starting price will now sit in the "mid-twenties" thousands, though the company notes that this figure is subject to change within the US market.
The entry-level "Blank Slate" model is engineered to keep base costs low, featuring only essential amenities such as heating and air conditioning. Buyers must purchase additional features separately, with the company offering more than 100 accessories ranging from power windows and stereo systems to roof racks and fender flares. The vehicle is designed with crank windows as standard, and an SUV conversion kit is expected to cost an additional $5,000, indicating that final prices may rise significantly above the base estimate.
Financial backing for the project remains a focal point, with Jeff Bezos identified as a key investor. This investment continues despite Bezos recently losing his representation on the company’s board of directors. Slate reports having secured over 160,000 reservations to date, a figure driven by the low-cost $50 refundable deposit. The company will now test market demand more seriously as these reservations convert into firm pre-orders.
Deliveries of the Slate EV truck are scheduled to begin later in the year. The transition from reservation to pre-order will serve as a critical indicator of consumer willingness to pay the adjusted price points in the absence of federal incentives. Investors and industry observers will be watching closely to see if the initial reservation numbers translate into sustained sales momentum for the budget-oriented electric truck.
