Slate Auto unveils customizable, affordable EV truck under $20,000 that challenges Tesla

Slate Auto, a new American electric vehicle startup backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has launched its first model. The truck promises to be affordable, customizable, and refreshingly simple—offering a stark contrast to Tesla’s tech-heavy designs.

The vision behind Slate Auto

During a highly anticipated launch event at the JetZero facility in Long Beach, California, Slate Auto introduced its minimalist electric vehicle.

The base model is expected to be priced under $20,000 after federal EV tax credits, with deliveries starting in late 2026. Without credits, the base price hovers around $27,500, still significantly cheaper than most new EVs today.

Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder emphasized that the tech race in the auto industry has priced out many Americans. CEO Chris Barman drove home the mission: “The definition of what’s affordable is broken. Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.”

The specs and minimalism by design

The Slate truck embraces a back-to-basics philosophy. Standard features include manual window cranks, a bare metal finish instead of paint, no infotainment system, and no built-in stereo. Instead, drivers get a universal phone mount and USB ports, encouraging the use of personal devices and portable Bluetooth speakers for entertainment.

For those wanting a more traditional setup, speakers and other creature comforts can be added at an extra cost. The base powertrain features a 52.7 kWh battery with a 150-mile range, with an optional upgrade to an 84.3 kWh pack for up to 240 miles.

Though the truck’s maximum payload is comparable to the Ford Maverick XL (1,433 pounds vs. 1,500 pounds), its towing capacity is about half, making it ideal for everyday hauling rather than heavy-duty work.

Customization options galore

One of Slate Auto’s standout features is its staggering array of over 100 customization options. Buyers can personalize everything from power windows and center consoles to roof racks, running boards, and full vehicle wraps.

Perhaps most impressively, Slate offers a modular kit that can transform the two-seater truck into a five-seat SUV, complete with a roll cage, airbags, and a rear bench seat—underscoring the brand’s flexible and modular vision.

Slate’s unique approach to affordability

Slate Auto’s radical affordability strategy is built around offering a stripped-down base model and letting customers choose where they want to invest in upgrades. This à-la-carte model is a refreshing departure from traditional auto packages, where consumers often pay for features they don’t need.

Although the price might still feel high to some considering the lack of standard tech, Slate’s minimalist ethos has resonated with many who value functionality, durability, and customization over luxury.

Essential safety features like airbags and automatic emergency braking come standard, ensuring that affordability doesn’t compromise safety.

Challenges and opportunities

The road ahead won’t be easy. Automotive startups face intense pressure, and skepticism remains—especially on social media, where critics joked that the Slate Truck resembled a “billionaire-funded Temu truck” or “a golf cart with more features.”

Still, Slate Auto has secured over $111 million in funding, and its support from high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos lends it credibility. Plans for domestic manufacturing—likely at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana—could help the company scale faster while tapping into federal incentives for American-made EVs.

Meanwhile, many fans appreciate the truck’s retro 1980s Land Cruiser vibe and celebrate Slate’s focus on customization and minimalism.

Reservations are now open with a fully refundable $50 deposit—perfect “if you chicken out,” as Slate humorously puts it.