Slate Launches $25,000 Electric Pickup, Challenging US Market Affordability
With a starting price of $24,950 and a minimalist design, the new electric pickup aims to reverse the trend of rising vehicle costs, though industry analysts question consumer appetite for such a stripped-back offering.
Slate, a manufacturer backed by Jeff Bezos, has officially launched the 'Blank Slate', an electric pickup truck priced at $24,950. The vehicle is positioned as the most affordable new electric truck in the United States, directly challenging the automotive industry’s recent trend of "trimflation," where average new car prices have risen above $50,000. First deliveries from the company’s facility in Warsaw, Indiana, are expected by the end of the year.
The base model features a 65-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery providing a 205-mile range, a 37 percent increase from initial estimates. The truck offers rear-wheel drive, a 2,000-pound tow rating, and a 1,550-pound payload. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes approximately eight seconds, with a top speed of 90 mph. DC fast charging at 120 kW allows the battery to charge from 20 to 80 percent in 30 minutes, while home charging may take up to 17 hours.
To achieve this price point, Slate has omitted traditional amenities including a touchscreen, stereo, speakers, and power windows. Instead, the cabin utilises manual hand cranks for windows and features a dash mount for a smartphone. The vehicle is available in a single gray tone with the colour moulded into its composite body panels. The company also offers convertible body styles, including 'Squareback' and 'Fastback' SUV variants starting at $29,950, along with over 200 accessories priced under $500.
Slate has secured approximately 180,000 reservations, with preorder deposits set at $300. The company plans to invest nearly $400 million in its Warsaw, Indiana facility, aiming for an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles by the end of 2027. The vehicle’s battery and powertrain carry a 10-year or 110,000-mile warranty, and the company has introduced Slate U, a DIY repair guide, alongside partnerships with over 3,000 RepairPal shops.
Ivan Drury, Edmunds' director of insights, noted that less than 5 percent of new vehicles sold for $25,000 or less in 2025, a figure that has declined from nearly 21 percent in 2019. Drury stated that Slate is making a significant bet that drivers still value simplicity and affordability, questioning whether the low price can overcome the market's shift away from entry-level vehicles and the current preference for different powertrains.
