Slate Auto Unveils Analog, Affordable EV With Bold Customization Pitch

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 25, 2025 — A new American electric vehicle startup, Slate Auto, debuted its first model Thursday night with a message aimed squarely at affordability and user customization — a sharp departure from the tech-heavy, high-cost ethos of competitors like Tesla.

The vehicle is intentionally barebones. It features manual windows, no central infotainment screen, and no factory paint. Instead, it comes in a raw finish, with customers encouraged to wrap the body themselves or select from pre-made kits. The truck can also convert from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV, positioning it as a multi-functional platform rather than a fixed-use vehicle.

Slate, founded three years ago, said it expects to deliver the first units by late 2026. The base model is projected to start under $20,000 with the federal electric vehicle tax credit, though final pricing remains uncertain. Reservations are open at $50 and fully refundable.

The launch event, held in Long Beach and livestreamed by InsideEVs, marks the startup’s first public appearance. It follows recent reporting by TechCrunch that Slate will manufacture its vehicles in Indiana and has received financial backing from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

“The auto industry has become overly focused on autonomy and embedded technology, driving prices beyond the reach of many Americans,” Jeremy Snyder, the company’s chief commercial officer, said at the event. “We’re here to reverse that trend.”

“We’re building the affordable vehicle that’s been promised for decades but never delivered,” said CEO Chris Barman.

Specifications and Design

While Slate declined to confirm a final price point, internal sources cited by TechCrunch suggest the company is still evaluating cost structures. The truck's standard version includes a 52.7-kWh battery providing a 150-mile range, powered by a single 150-kW motor on the rear axle. An extended-range option offers approximately 240 miles. Charging is via the North American Charging Standard port — originally developed by Tesla and now adopted widely.

Key features include 17-inch wheels, a five-foot truck bed, and a front trunk — or “frunk” — offering seven cubic feet of storage, complete with a drain for tailgating use. The vehicle supports a payload of 1,400 pounds and tows up to 1,000 pounds, which is modest compared to offerings like the Ford Maverick (1,500-pound capacity) and far below the Ford F-150.

In terms of size, the truck is compact. With a 108.9-inch wheelbase and 174.6-inch overall length, it is significantly shorter than the Maverick, which spans 199.7 inches.

A Minimalist Platform for Customization

Slate is leaning into its “Blank Slate” identity — quite literally. The base vehicle ships without paint and minimal standard features. Customers are encouraged to modify their vehicles using over 100 accessories that Slate plans to offer at launch. Options range from aesthetic upgrades such as body wraps and light covers to functional additions including infotainment systems and SUV conversion kits.

To streamline the process, the company will offer themed “starter packs” and operate a DIY support hub called Slate University, which will include installation tutorials. Buyers can also opt to have accessories installed by certified partners.

Barman emphasized the flexibility of Slate’s design: “You can make the Blank Slate yours at the time of purchase — or adapt it as your needs and budget evolve.”

The vehicle includes all federally required safety features, including automatic emergency braking, airbags, and a rearview camera.

Market Entry Amid a Volatile Sector

Slate enters a highly unstable EV market. High-profile startups such as Lordstown Motors, Canoo, and Fisker have filed for bankruptcy or struggled to deliver on early promises. Meanwhile, companies like Rivian and Lucid continue to burn through capital in pursuit of affordability and scale.

Slate’s strategy runs counter to those efforts. Rather than pursuing high-end performance models first, it is entering the market at the low end, with profitability dependent on a robust aftermarket ecosystem.

The company has raised more than $111 million to date. In addition to Bezos, investors include Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

With nearly 400 employees already on staff and active hiring underway, Slate appears to be positioning itself as a lean, domestic manufacturing-focused operation insulated from some global supply chain disruptions.

“We believe vehicles should be both affordable and desirable,” Barman said. “This is a vehicle people are going to want to own — and be proud of.”

The auto industry has become overly focused on autonomy and embedded technology, driving prices beyond the reach of many Americans.