Slate opens US-only preorders for low-cost electric Truck
International buyers cannot currently purchase Slate’s electric pickup directly, while private imports may face compliance, tariff, service and warranty complications.
Slate has opened preorders for its low-cost electric Truck, but the young automaker is limiting sales initially to US residents. Buyers must pay a non-refundable US$300 deposit, with first deliveries projected for late 2026.
The Truck starts at US$24,950, before a US$1,450 destination charge, and Slate projects a range of 205 miles. The vehicle uses a minimal interior designed around the owner’s phone and supports NACS charging, including access to Tesla Superchargers in the US.
The company, founded in 2022, has attracted about US$1.4 billion in funding, including backing from Jeff Bezos’ family office. It plans to manufacture the vehicle at a former printing plant in Indiana, sell directly to customers and rely on RepairPal’s US service network.
Slate has not announced when Canada or other international markets might be added. Its US-centric production, sales, charging and service model means expansion would also require additional regulatory, certification, logistics and support arrangements.
For Canadian buyers, private importation would not necessarily provide a simple workaround. Transport Canada says a US vehicle must be admissible and, where required, capable of being modified to meet Canadian safety standards. Importers could also face conditional tariff exposure, depending on factors including compliance, sourcing and the circumstances of the import.
Slate has not disclosed enough production-sourcing information to determine how Canadian tariff rules would apply, and has yet to announce Canadian certification, service or warranty plans. The 205-mile range and late-2026 delivery target remain projections.
