Jeff Bezos backs $20,000 electric pickup truck from Slate auto with modular design
Jeff Bezos, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Amazon, is making waves in the electric vehicle space with his backing of a bold new venture called Slate Auto. This startup is poised to disrupt the industry with its innovative approach to electric vehicles, starting with the unveiling of the Slate Truck – a simple, modular electric pickup truck that is priced at $20,000 after federal EV incentives.
The Slate Truck is a departure from traditional industry norms, with a stripped-down base model that eschews power windows, touchscreens, and a flashy dashboard. Instead, the focus is on essentials and practicality. However, what sets the Slate Truck apart is its range of customization options, allowing buyers to transform it into a five-seat SUV.
In terms of specifications, the Slate Truck is a compact electric pickup measuring 174.6 inches in length, 70.6 inches wide, and 69.3 inches tall. It features a five-foot bed with 37 cubic feet of cargo space and is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The truck offers a choice between a standard 52.7 kWh battery with a 150-mile range or an optional 84.3 kWh pack for up to 240 miles of range.
Charging is flexible, with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and DC fast charging up to 120 kW through a NACS connector, allowing for a 20% to 80% charge in about half an hour. The Slate Truck has a maximum payload capacity of 1,433 pounds and can tow up to 1,000 pounds, making it practical for everyday hauling needs.
In terms of safety features, the Slate Truck includes traction control, electronic stability control, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and up to eight airbags. The company is aiming for a five-star NCAP safety rating, with a curb weight of about 3,600 pounds.
Slate Auto, founded in 2022, has secured $111 million in funding from Jeff Bezos and other investors, including Mark Walter. The company’s mission is to disrupt the EV market by making electric trucks accessible to budget-conscious consumers, in contrast to high-priced models dominating the industry.
Production of the Slate Truck is set to begin in Warsaw, Indiana, at a repurposed paper facility, showcasing an unconventional manufacturing strategy. With a focus on affordability and modularity, Slate Auto aims to challenge industry giants like Tesla and Ford in the EV market.
One of Slate’s key features is its extensive customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their Slate Truck with over 100 accessories, including roof racks, cargo storage, all-terrain tires, and lift kits. The vehicle’s exterior can be wrapped in different colors and designs, offering a personalized EV experience akin to a rolling Lego set.
Reservations for the Slate Truck are now open for a refundable $50 deposit, with deliveries expected to start in late 2026. With its minimalist design, customizable features, and affordable price point, the Slate Truck may well redefine what an affordable EV looks like in the market.
In conclusion, the Slate Truck represents a fresh and innovative approach to electric vehicles, backed by the vision and funding of Jeff Bezos. With its focus on practicality, customization, and affordability, Slate Auto is poised to shake up the EV market and offer consumers a compelling alternative to traditional high-priced models.
