• Bezos Backs Slate Auto unveils a $25,000 electric truck, aiming to disrupt the EV market with affordability and customization.
• The truck offers over 100 accessories, including a unique SUV conversion kit, allowing for personal upgrades. Bezos Backs this innovative approach.
• Slate Auto targets a younger, DIY-driven audience, providing easy upgrades and focusing on vehicle personalization, highlighting the Bezos Backs strategy.

Slate Auto, a new electric vehicle (EV) company, has just unveiled its first truck. Backed by Jeff Bezos, this startup aims to challenge big names like Tesla and Rivian. The truck, which will launch in 2026, has a starting price of just $25,000. This makes it one of the most affordable electric trucks available. The price could drop even more with tax credits, making it an even more attractive option for buyers.

Simple, Customizable Features for Every Buyer

The Slate Truck is designed to be simple and customizable. It won’t come with common extras like power windows or a radio. Instead, customers can choose the features they want. This allows them to make the vehicle fit their personal needs and budget. CEO Chris Barman explains that this approach helps keep costs low. It also gives buyers the freedom to add upgrades either during purchase or later. The goal is to make the base vehicle affordable while allowing room for customization, which Bezos Backs fully supports.

The Price Advantage in a Competitive Market

At $25,000, Slate’s truck will be the cheapest new electric vehicle in the U.S. Right now, the Nissan Leaf is the most affordable EV, priced at $28,140. The Ford Maverick, the cheapest pickup truck, starts at $26,995. Slate’s truck, priced at $25,000, would beat both these models in cost. This is something that Tesla has yet to accomplish. Although Elon Musk has talked about a $25,000 Tesla, no firm release date has been set.

Competing with Rivian and Tesla

Slate’s truck is aimed at customers who want an affordable electric vehicle. While Tesla and Rivian focus on high-end features, Slate keeps things basic to reduce costs. Rivian’s R1T, for example, starts at nearly $70,000. This is far more expensive than Slate’s base model. Slate’s truck, however, will come with a 52.7 kWh battery pack. This will provide a range of 150 miles. Customers who need more range can upgrade to a larger 84.3 kWh pack. This will give them up to 240 miles of driving range.

Focus on Safety and Convenience

In addition to affordability, the Slate Truck includes essential safety features. It will come with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. These features will help keep drivers safe on the road. The truck will also be easy to charge. It can be plugged into any standard household socket and charged overnight. This makes it convenient for everyday use.

Personalization: A Key Selling Point

Slate offers a high degree of personalization. All trucks will be delivered with basic features like steel wheels and manual windows. After purchasing, customers can add over 100 accessories to make the truck their own. These accessories range from power windows to custom wraps that change the truck’s look. This gives owners the freedom to build a truck that fits their style. The ability to personalize the truck is one of Slate’s most exciting features.

Turning the Truck Into an SUV

Another exciting option is the ability to transform the truck into an SUV. Slate offers an accessory kit that converts the truck into a five-passenger vehicle. This kit includes a roll cage, rear seats, and airbags. At the launch event, Barman demonstrated how quickly the truck transforms into an SUV. The process takes about an hour. The audience marveled at how easily it happened. The ability to switch between a truck and an SUV is a unique feature that sets Slate apart from its competitors.

DIY Upgrades for Hands-On Owners

Slate’s design targets hands-on owners. They can add all accessories, including the SUV kit, later. Customers can install these upgrades themselves as DIY projects. This adds an extra level of customization for those who enjoy working on their vehicles. Of course, professional installation is also an option. Barman believes this will appeal to a younger generation of car enthusiasts. It gives them a chance to take pride in their vehicle and make it their own. By offering these DIY upgrades, Slate is encouraging people to get involved in the building process.

Preorders Now Available

Slate’s electric truck is now available for preorder. To reserve one, customers need to put down a $50 refundable deposit. This allows buyers to be among the first to own the truck when it is released. Preorders are open now, and Slate is expecting high demand. With its affordable price and customizable features, it’s likely to attract many customers.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Electric Trucks

Slate Auto’s new electric truck is set to shake up the market. With a starting price of just $25,000, it will be the cheapest new electric vehicle available. The truck’s customization options, including the ability to turn it into an SUV, make it a unique choice for buyers. Slate is focused on providing a vehicle that offers both affordability and personalization. By keeping the truck simple and offering upgrades, Bezos Backs gives customers the freedom to create the vehicle they want. This approach could make the Slate Truck a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles.