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Could a back-to-basics electric pickup redefine affordable transportation? The Slate Truck, an American-made EV, is making waves with its minimalist approach: think no paint, no stereo, and definitely no touchscreen. Is this a game-changer or a step too far?
Slate Truck: The $20,000 EV Stripped Bare
Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup, is challenging the status quo with its Slate Truck. This two-seater electric pickup, slated for production next year, boasts a 150-mile range and a price tag under $20,000 after federal incentives. But what’s missing is just as important as what’s there.
Radical Simplicity or Just Plain Cheap?
The Slate Truck eschews modern car luxuries. Forget fancy paint jobs; it comes in basic gray. Want music? Bring your own Bluetooth speaker. This isn’t just about cutting costs; Slate aims to create a new vehicle category focused on personalization and DIY customization.
American-Made with a Minimalist Ethos
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the Slate Truck uses injection-molded polypropylene composite material for its body panels, promising durability and scratch resistance. The interior embraces a “lived-in” aesthetic, designed to look better with wear and tear. This simplified design has reportedly attracted major investors, including Jeff Bezos.
Customize Everything: From Color to Configuration
Slate emphasizes customization. The truck’s simple design is ideal for vinyl wrapping, allowing owners to easily change its color and appearance. Need more space? An SUV upgrade kit adds rear seats and enhanced safety features.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Entertainment
The Slate Truck’s most striking feature is its lack of an infotainment system. Instead, a basic gauge cluster handles essential information, including a rearview camera display. Owners are encouraged to bring their own devices for entertainment, fostering a DIY approach to in-car tech.
Simplified Manufacturing for Affordability
By eliminating paint and complex manufacturing processes, Slate significantly reduces production costs. The company aims for a streamlined factory with minimal options, focusing on a single vehicle configuration.
DIY Maintenance and Service
Slate encourages owners to perform basic maintenance and repairs themselves, offering online resources and support. For more complex issues, the company partners with nationwide service centers. This approach aligns with the growing “right to repair” movement.
Direct Sales and Future Availability
Slate will follow a direct sales model, similar to Tesla, with limited pickup centers and home delivery options. Preorders are open for $50, with deliveries expected in late 2026.
Will consumers embrace this stripped-down, customizable EV? The Slate Truck represents a bold experiment in affordable and sustainable transportation.
Keywords
- Electric Truck
- Affordable EV
- Slate Truck
- American Made
- DIY Car
- Electric Vehicle
- Car Customization