Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has officially revealed the starting price for its new electric truck. The company said the base model will start at $24,950, making it one of the most affordable new electric vehicles expected in the U.S. market.
The price does not include taxes, registration, title fees, destination charges, documentation fees, or optional equipment. Slate Auto began accepting preorders for the truck on Wednesday, giving customers their first chance to reserve the low-cost EV.
Why Is Slate Auto’s Electric Truck Price Important
Slate Auto’s $24,950 starting price is a major move in the electric vehicle market. New cars have become more expensive in recent years, and the average price of a new vehicle in the United States is now much higher than Slate’s planned truck price.
The company is trying to attract buyers who want an affordable vehicle without paying premium EV prices. Slate’s truck could compete with lower-cost electric models, including the Chevrolet Bolt, which starts at around $29,000, and the Nissan Leaf, which starts at around $32,000. Slate is also entering the market before Ford plans to launch its expected $30,000 electric truck in 2027.
What Is the New Driving Range for the Base Model
Slate Auto also shared better news for drivers who are worried about battery range. The company said the base truck will now offer an estimated range of around 205 miles on a full charge. Earlier plans suggested that the base model would have around 150 miles of range. The increase gives buyers more flexibility for daily driving, work trips, and weekend travel.
However, Slate has dropped plans for a larger battery pack that was expected to offer around 240 miles of range. The company appears to be going for a simple, affordable and easy-to-make truck.
Can Buyers Turn the Truck Into an SUV
Yes, Slate Auto’s electric truck is designed to be flexible. The vehicle starts as a two-seat pickup truck, but buyers can convert it into a five-seat SUV.
The SUV version will start at $29,950. Slate said customers can have the conversion completed by professionals, or they can do it themselves. The company has also introduced Slate University videos. These guides show owners how to make changes to the vehicle, including the SUV conversion and installing accessories such as headlight covers.
What Features Does the Slate Truck Include
Slate’s electric truck is basic by design. The company is cutting costs by removing many features that are common in modern vehicles. Avoiding a factory paint shop may help Slate save a large amount of money. Paint facilities can cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build and operate.
- Hand-crank windows instead of power windows.
- No built-in infotainment system.
- One standard gray composite exterior material.
- No traditional factory paint options.
- Optional custom wraps for buyers who want a different look.
How Will Slate Auto Sell Its Electric Truck
Slate Auto has said it will not use traditional dealerships. Instead, the company plans to sell directly to customers, similar to Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid Motors. The company has not yet shared full details about the buying process. However, reports suggest Slate may work with online used-car company Carvana. Slate reportedly gave Carvana a warrant to buy shares, which could point to a future sales partnership.
Slate Auto has raised around $1.4 billion from investors. Its backers include Jeff Bezos’ family office, General Catalyst, TWG Global, Slauson & Co., and former Amazon executive Diego Piacentini. Slate’s affordable truck could become an important test for the U.S. EV market. If the company can deliver the vehicle at its promised price, it may give more Americans a realistic path to owning an electric vehicle.
Nishant Parasar is an automobile writer covering the latest updates, trends, and developments in the automotive industry. His reporting focuses on cars, bikes, vehicle technology, auto market news, and practical information for everyday drivers.