The automotive industry has spent much of the last decade moving steadily upmarket. New vehicles have become larger, more complex, and significantly more expensive, leaving many buyers priced out of the new-truck market. Against that backdrop, startup automaker Slate has officially revealed pricing for its upcoming electric pickup, confirming that the 2027 Slate EV Truck will start at $24,950 before destination charges. The announcement positions the vehicle as one of the least expensive new trucks available in the United States and the most affordable electric pickup currently slated for production. (Now all that remains is for Toyota to confirm pricing for the IMV 0 and announce that its affordable pickup will be coming to the U.S. market).
The confirmation follows months of speculation regarding the truck’s final cost. When Slate first unveiled the vehicle, company representatives suggested a target price below $20,000 after federal EV incentives. However, the elimination of the federal electric vehicle tax credit forced the company to revise its strategy and publicly abandon that goal. The newly announced $24,950 price reflects the realities of the current market while still placing the truck well below the average transaction price of both new vehicles and new electric vehicles in the United States.
Founded with backing from investors that include Jeff Bezos, Slate has taken a notably different approach from most electric vehicle manufacturers. Rather than emphasizing technology, luxury features, or high performance, the company has focused on simplicity and affordability. The base truck is intentionally minimalistic, featuring manual crank windows, physical controls, air conditioning, cruise control, and a backup camera, while omitting many features that have become standard across the industry, including large infotainment screens and premium interior materials.
The philosophy behind the vehicle is straightforward. Slate believes there remains a significant segment of consumers who simply need practical transportation and utility rather than a rolling technology platform. By eliminating expensive features and offering buyers the ability to add accessories later, the company hopes to keep acquisition costs low while still allowing owners to personalize their vehicles over time. Slate says more than 200 accessories will be available through its marketplace, with many priced below $500. These include storage solutions, roof racks, upgraded interiors, audio systems, and exterior styling packages.
Mechanically, the truck is designed around modest but usable specifications. The base model uses a single rear-mounted electric motor and a 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Slate estimates a driving range of approximately 205 miles, placing the vehicle below many contemporary EVs but within the range requirements of many daily commuters and urban users. The company also claims a payload capacity of approximately 1,550 pounds and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. DC fast charging capability allows the battery to charge from 20 to 80 percent in roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
One of the truck’s more unusual features is its modular design. Buyers can purchase conversion kits that transform the compact two-seat pickup into an SUV configuration. This approach allows owners to modify the vehicle as their needs change rather than purchasing an entirely different vehicle. The concept is intended to extend the usefulness of the platform while reinforcing Slate’s emphasis on customization and owner involvement.
Read More: Overland News of the Week
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
