Electric trucks right now are insanely expensive. If you’ve ever thought about switching to an EV, the $70,000 price tag probably had you shaking your head.
Slate Auto — a bold new player backed by none other than Jeff Bezos — just introduced a simple, tough electric pickup that starts around $20,000 after incentives. And it’s not just talk — it’s built to actually work for everyday people, not just tech billionaires.
A Budget-Friendly Electric Truck Built for Real Life
Unlike most shiny EVs that feel more like iPhones on wheels, the Slate Truck is about getting back to basics. It’s made for people who don’t care about luxury features — they just need a solid, reliable ride.
Here’s the vibe you can expect:
- Manual windows
- A dashboard that’s refreshingly screen-free
- A tough, slate-gray exterior built for real-world dents and scratches
No tech overload. No futuristic gimmicks. Just a straightforward truck made to get the job done.
Slate Truck Specifications: What You Get for $20K
Let’s get straight to the numbers that matter: (Quick comparison table below for easy view.)
| Feature | Slate Truck Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Options | 52.7 kWh (150 miles) or 84.3 kWh (up to 240 miles) |
| Charging Speed | 80% charge in about 30 minutes (DC fast charging) |
| Payload Capacity | Around 1,000 pounds |
| Customization Options | 100+ DIY upgrades available |
That’s it. No endless trim levels, no “luxury package” nonsense. You get what you need — nothing more, nothing less.
Jeff Bezos’ Investment in Slate Auto: Why It’s a Big Deal
It’s not every day that Jeff Bezos backs a startup — and when he does, you better believe it’s serious. He’s not just throwing pocket change at a trending idea. He clearly sees the gap that nobody else is filling: Affordable, real-world electric vehicles.
If Bezos is putting his money and name behind Slate Auto, that’s a big vote of confidence that they’re onto something real.
Customizing Your Slate Truck: Freedom Without the Extra Costs
One of the coolest things about the Slate Truck? DIY customization made easy.
You’re not stuck buying overpriced packages just to get the features you want. Instead, Slate is offering over 100 upgrade options you can install yourself — from interior mods to exterior wraps to full SUV conversions.
More freedom. More savings. Way less dealership drama.
Production Timeline: When Can You Drive the Slate Truck?
Slate Auto plans to kick off production in late 2026 at their brand-new Indiana facility. They’re aiming for 150,000 trucks a year once things ramp up.
Reservation details:
- $50 fully refundable deposit
- No hidden fees or tricky contracts
- Simple, stress-free process
A refreshing change from the usual dealership headaches.
Why Slate Auto’s Affordable Truck Could Transform the EV Market
This isn’t just another shiny EV announcement. If Slate Auto delivers on what they’re promising, this could totally shift how people think about electric vehicles.
Right now, the common belief is:
“EVs are great — if you can afford one.”
Slate Auto is flipping the script:
“EVs should be affordable for everyone.”
If this $20K truck hits the streets as planned, it could open the door for millions of buyers who’ve been locked out of the EV world until now.
Scipuz Take: Why Simple, Tough Electric Trucks Might Win the Future
The Slate Truck isn’t trying to win awards for luxury or speed. It’s not chasing after Tesla or Rivian with fancy software tricks.
It’s doing something a lot more important: Making electric trucks simple, tough, and affordable again.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what the EV market — and the world — needs right now.