Slate Auto has finally revealed the starting price of its radically simple electric pickup truck, putting the Blank Slate at $24,950 before taxes, destination charges, fees, and optional equipment. The Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup is betting that affordability, customization, and a back-to-basics design can help it stand out in a market where many electric vehicles remain expensive.
TL;DR
- Slate Auto’s electric pickup starts at $24,950, while its Squareback and Fastback SUV versions begin at $29,950.
- The company says the truck now offers an estimated 205-mile range, up 37% from its earlier estimate, with 2,000 lb towing capacity and 1,550 lb payload.
- Preorders are open for $300, with first deliveries expected in Q4 2026.
Slate Auto is going unusually simple for its first vehicle, and that appears to be the point.
The company’s electric truck starts as a two-seat pickup with tactile controls, hand-crank windows, no standard touchscreen, no infotainment system, and gray composite body panels instead of factory paint. Buyers can then personalize it over time with wraps, accessories, or even convert it into an SUV.
According to Slate’s official release, the truck is priced at $24,950, while two SUV versions, called Squareback and Fastback, start at $29,950. The price excludes taxes, title, license, registration, government fees, destination charges, documentation fees, and optional equipment.
The company has also increased the estimated range of the base truck by 37% to 205 miles. TechCrunch reported that this came as Slate dropped plans for a larger 240-mile battery pack, simplifying the lineup further.
The truck’s capability numbers are modest but practical for light-duty use. Slate says it now offers up to 2,000 lb of towing capacity and 1,550 lb of payload capacity. The Verge also noted that preorders opened with a $300 deposit, with production scheduled for autumn 2026 and deliveries expected later in 2026.
Slate’s biggest bet, though, is customization. The company says its Marketplace will offer more than 200 accessories, with over 80% priced under $500. These include roof racks, stereos, seat covers, light covers, and over 100 wrap colors at launch. Full vehicle wraps will cost under $500, according to Slate.
“More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable, and built around their lives,” said Slate CEO Peter Faricy. “Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalize their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow. We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”
The startup is also leaning into a repair-friendly ownership model. Slate says the truck has fewer than half the parts of a typical truck, provides free manuals through Slate U, and will be supported by a 10-year/110,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty. It also points to a network of more than 3,000 RepairPal shops, including over 100 service centers capable of high-voltage EV service.
Slate’s affordability push comes as the EV market faces a tougher environment. Reuters reported in April that Slate raised $650 million in Series C funding as it prepared to deliver its first vehicles, with the company planning production in Warsaw, Indiana, and nearly $400 million in factory investment.
The company says it was established in 2022 and expects the Warsaw facility to create more than 2,000 jobs and contribute up to $39 billion to Indiana’s economy over 20 years.
Still, the real test begins when reservations convert into purchases. Axios reported that Slate has more than 180,000 reservations, but its low base price depends on a business model where customers add features later rather than paying for them upfront.
For now, Slate has delivered a clear message: an EV does not have to be loaded with screens, luxury features, and a premium price tag to attract attention.
