New U.S.-based EV manufacturer Slate unveiled its first vehicle — a minimalist, modular electric pickup — at a launch event on April 24, 2025, in Long Beach, Calif. Slate's approach emphasizes affordability, simple design, and user-driven customization, with production targeted to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

"We are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never delivered," said Chris Barman, CEO of Slate, during the reveal. "Slate exists to put the power back into the hands of customers who have been denied this choice by the auto industry."

Designed for Customization & Utility

The Slate truck is a two-seat, compact electric pickup manufactured in a single factory configuration, with more than 100 available accessories. Buyers can customize the truck over time, including converting it into a five-seat SUV with a flat-pack accessory kit that adds a rear seat, roll cage, and airbags.

"The design is simple and deliberately straightforward," said head of design Tisha Johnson from the stage. "The Slate Truck needed to be easy to get into, drive, and load compared to anything else in the market."

The vehicle is deliberately simple, with crank windows, steel wheels, basic HVAC controls, a large front trunk (frunk), and a five-foot rear cargo bed with a 1,400-pound payload rating.

Simplified Wrapping & Bring-Your-Own Tech

In a break from traditional automotive design, the truck was developed to be easily wrapped in vinyl, allowing buyers to change its appearance without repainting. Wrap kits are cut to fit and can be installed DIY or by certified installers.

Rather than integrating a proprietary infotainment system, Slate opted for a universal phone mount and USB power ports, letting drivers use their existing mobile devices for navigation and media.

Safety & Performance Targets

Slate’s engineering team said the truck is designed to achieve a U.S. NCAP five-star crash safety rating, with features including Active Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, and a backup camera.

Powertrain specifications include:

• 52.7-kWh battery standard (150-mile target range)

• 84.3-kWh battery optional (240-mile target range)

• 150-kW rear-wheel drive motor (201 horsepower)

• 0-60 mph in approximately eight seconds

• 11-kW onboard AC charging and 120-kW DC fast charging

Early crash testing indicates the truck is meeting internal safety and durability targets.

Direct-to-Buyer Sales Model

Slate plans to manufacture the truck at a retooled factory in Indiana, with parts sourcing focused heavily within the U.S. Production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The company will sell directly to users, with an online ordering platform and a network of third-party service providers for maintenance and installation support.

Slate projects a starting price below $20,000 after federal incentives, a notable contrast with today’s average new vehicle price of about $50,000. Vehicle reservations are now open via a $50 refundable deposit.

Slate’s leadership emphasized that the truck is designed to evolve with customer needs. Accessories — from simple decal kits to full SUV conversions — can be added at purchase or later.

Targeting Government & Commercial Fleets

While Slate’s consumer focus was prominent during the launch, the company is also positioning the truck for fleet applications, particularly for government agencies and vocational fleets with short-range daily duty cycles. 

The Slate Truck's modularity, low acquisition cost, and simplified maintenance needs may appeal to municipalities, utility services, and campus fleets. 

The vehicle will be featured at the NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E) in Long Beach, California, from April 28 to 30.