Slate confirms $US24,950 BEV ute opener

SLATE Auto has confirmed final details for its back-to-basics electric pick-up and SUV range, with the Michigan-headquartered startup saying its entry model will be priced from $US24,950 ($A36,140) when deliveries begin in the United States late this year.

The company, which is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, says the Slate Truck – also referred to as the Blank Slate – will be one of the most affordable electric vehicles available in America, undercutting the Chevrolet Bolt by $US4045 ($A5865).

A pair of SUV versions will also be offered, with the Squareback priced from $US29,950 ($A43,500) and the Fastback from $US31,950 ($A46,360). A five-seat Open Air variant is expected to follow.

Slate says the model has been designed around simplicity, affordability and personalisation, using fewer than half the parts of a typical truck and offering tactile controls in place of a touchscreen.

In its most basic form, the Slate is conspicuously spartan, lacking an infotainment system, speakers or electric windows. Instead, occupants are given a smartphone cradle, crank-operated glass and a cabin designed to be upgraded with various modules and accessories over time.

“More than 180,000 reservation holders have told us they’re ready for a vehicle that’s affordable, reliable, and built around their lives,” said Slate chief executive Peter Faricy.

“Slate gives customers the freedom to buy only what they need today and personalise their vehicle as their needs change tomorrow.

“We’re excited to start seeing Slates on roads across America later this year.”

The production model remains close in appearance to the prototype shown in April 2025, retaining its simple body-on-frame construction and grey composite exterior panels.

Customers wanting colour will need to choose from a wrap or decal kit, with more than 100 wrap colours available at launch. A basic full-vehicle wrap is priced from less than $US500 ($A725), while custom options are listed from $US1299 ($A1883).

Slate says more than 200 accessories and parts will be available through its Slate Marketplace, with more than 80 per cent priced below $US500 ($A725).

Options include roof racks, stereos, seat covers, lighting upgrades, alloy wheels, a lift kit, bumpers, dashboard colour inserts, armrests, tonneau covers, and a key fob.

Body styles can also be changed after purchase, enabling owners to convert a ute into a five-seat SUV using components bought from Slate and fitted either at home or by a certified installer.

The company lists its accessories with self-install difficulty ratings of beginner, medium or advanced, reflecting its claim that DIY ownership is “in Slate’s DNA”.

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 135kW and 264Nm, down 15kW on the prototype revealed last year.

Rather than offering two battery sizes as originally envisaged, Slate will offer a single 63kWh lithium iron phosphate pack, providing an estimated 330km range using the stricter US EPA test standard.

AC charging is rated at up to 11kW, while DC fast charging peaks at 120kW.

The ute’s payload rating has increased by 53kg to 703kg, while towing capacity has doubled from the original estimate to 907kg. SUV variants offer a 573kg payload and 827kg towing capacity.

Both body styles use MacPherson strut front suspension and a De Dion rear axle with coil springs.

The ute weighs 1837kg, while the SUV tips the scales at 1973kg. Slate claims a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of around eight seconds.

Measuring 4430mm long, 1790mm wide and 1730mm tall, with a 2770mm wheelbase, the bed area of the Slate measures 1520mm long and offers 994 litres of capacity, while a front storage compartment adds a further 198 litres.

Slate had initially targeted a sub-$US20,000 ($A29,030) price point after applying the former $US7500 US federal electric vehicle tax credit that was axed in September 2025, making the original target unachievable.

However, the company says its simplified manufacturing process, direct-to-consumer sales model and modular vehicle architecture enable it to maintain a low entry price.

The company has opened pre-orders at $US300, while existing $US50 reservation holders can secure a place in the queue for a further $US250.

Slate says it has taken more than 180,000 refundable deposits to date.

The company is targeting a five-star US NCAP safety rating. Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, automatic high beam, a reversing camera and driver, passenger, seat and side curtain airbags.

There will be no Slate dealerships. Servicing will instead be handled through more than 3000 RepairPal-approved workshops across the US, including more than 100 centres accredited to work on high-voltage systems.

Slate is also encouraging owners to service and repair vehicles themselves using written guides, video instructions, and repair manuals through its Slate U platform.

A 10-year/110,000-mile (177,000km) warranty will apply to the battery and powertrain, though the company has not yet detailed a general vehicle warranty.

Founded in 2022, Slate says it will assemble the pick-up and SUV range at a reindustrialised factory in Warsaw, Indiana.

The company says it will invest almost $US400 million in the site, create more than 2000 jobs and contribute up to $US39 billion to the Indiana economy over 20 years.

Production is due to begin late in 2026.