Slate’s affordable electric pickup reaches 100,000 reservations in less than a month (Instagram @slateauto)
The American startup Slate Auto, backed by big names like Jeff Bezos, surprised the market by reaching 100,000 reservations for its electric pickup in just three weeks.
The company, which until recently operated in secrecy and had never produced a vehicle, drew attention by offering a simple, practical, and affordable model with a refundable deposit of just $50. Production is scheduled to begin in 2026 in Indiana, with an initial goal of 150,000 units per year.
Named Slate Truck, the pickup follows a minimalist approach: starting at $25,000 (or less with incentives), it features a body made of unpainted recyclable plastic, a 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle, and two battery options, offering a range of up to 385 km. Its structure is versatile, capable of being converted into an SUV or fastback by swapping panels, and the interior focuses on the essentials, with basic finishes, a phone mount instead of a multimedia system, and easily installable optional accessories.
Slate’s philosophy is to offer a robust and accessible vehicle targeting everyday consumers and small business owners—an audience often excluded by the high prices of traditional electric vehicles.
Although the number of reservations does not guarantee actual sales, the massive interest indicates a growing demand for cheaper and more practical electric vehicles, a segment still largely overlooked by major U.S. automakers.
Source: InsideEVs | Photo: Instagram @slateauto | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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