The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is no longer reserved for the elite. With the announcement of the 2027 Slate Truck, Slate Auto is sending shockwaves through the automotive industry by offering a minimalist, highly customizable electric pickup for just $20,000.
Backed by notable investors including Jeff Bezos, this stripped-down workhorse could change the way we think about electric vehicles—especially in urban environments and developing markets.
An EV for the People
The Slate Truck is not trying to compete with luxury pickups like the Tesla Cybertruck or the Rivian R1T. Instead, it’s designed with simplicity, utility, and affordability in mind. The base model starts at $20,000—less than half the price of most EV pickups on the market.
This radical price point is achieved through intentional design choices: no power windows, no central touchscreen, and no unnecessary frills. Instead, Slate leans into analog controls, a barebones interior, and unpainted gray plastic body panels that minimize production costs and allow for easy customization.
“We asked, what does someone really need in a truck? And then we built that,” said Slate Auto CEO Will Mcloughlin in a recent press statement.
Performance Specs: Designed for Urban and Light-Duty Use
The Slate Truck is built for functionality, not flash. Its modest specifications reflect this purpose:
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Battery Options:
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Base: 52.7-kWh battery with up to 150 miles of range
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Extended: 84.3-kWh battery with up to 240 miles of range
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Powertrain: Single front-mounted motor delivering 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque
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Towing & Payload: 1,000 lbs towing capacity, 1,430 lbs payload
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Dimensions: 174.6 inches long (shorter than a Toyota Tacoma), with an 8.0-inch ground clearance
These figures may not impress heavy-duty truck owners, but they’re more than sufficient for small business deliveries, urban contractors, and off-grid enthusiasts seeking an affordable EV.
Minimalism with a Mission
Everything about the Slate Truck embodies its minimalist DNA. The vehicle features a simplified dashboard with toggle switches, no touchscreen (your smartphone acts as the central hub), and a basic steering wheel without haptic feedback or luxury inserts.
The body panels are gray, unpainted plastic—making them easy to replace or modify. This also ties into Slate Auto’s vision of modularity. For DIY lovers and tinkerers, this truck isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a canvas.
Customization and the Builder’s Book
Slate’s approach to community-driven customization is one of its most exciting aspects. Buyers will have access to the “Builder’s Book”, a detailed guide on how to modify their Slate Truck.
Whether it’s adding racks, converting it into a mini-SUV, or installing off-grid camping modules, the Builder’s Book makes the truck endlessly adaptable.
Furthermore, Slate is launching Slate University, an online portal where users can share their builds, access video tutorials, and buy modular upgrade kits. Over 100 accessories are expected at launch.
Sustainability and Simplicity
The Slate Truck isn’t just an economic win—it’s an environmental one. By minimizing complexity and focusing on what’s essential, Slate has created a vehicle that requires fewer raw materials and can be maintained without expensive dealership visits.
Because it lacks many of the complex systems found in modern vehicles, the Slate Truck may also enjoy longer operational lifespans and lower repair costs, making it an attractive option in markets where technical expertise is scarce or where logistics demand reliable, low-cost transportation.
A Global Opportunity
Slate Auto has big plans for global impact. With production planned for late 2026 in the U.S. Midwest and deliveries beginning in 2027, the company hopes to eventually scale to international markets—especially regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America where affordable, rugged EVs are in high demand.
For regions struggling with high fuel costs, vehicle shortages, or poor infrastructure, the Slate Truck could be a transformative force.
How to Order
Customers can already preorder the Slate Truck via the company’s website with a refundable deposit of just $50.
With more than 30,000 early reservations in the first week, it’s clear there’s massive demand for this kind of vehicle.
A Shift in the EV Narrative
The 2027 Slate Truck is more than just a cheap EV—it’s a statement. It challenges the notion that electric vehicles must be expensive, feature-laden luxury items. Instead, it offers a modular, functional platform designed to meet the needs of real people in the real world.
With the potential to democratize access to EV technology and empower DIY innovation, the Slate Truck could prove to be one of the most disruptive vehicles of the decade.
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