The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Slate Auto’s electric truck was never a current $20,000 MSRP. The original pitch described a vehicle expected to cost less than $27,500 before a then-available $7,500 federal tax credit. Slate’s current listed price for the two-seat Blank Slate Truck is $24,950 before destination, taxes, title, registration, government fees, documentation charges, and options. With the listed $1,450 destination charge added, the pre-tax starting figure is $26,400 before other costs.
The idea is still unusual: a small, rear-wheel-drive electric pickup with manual windows, no factory touchscreen or infotainment system, a projected 205-mile range, and a marketplace of owner-installed accessories. Slate expects first deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026, but the truck remains preproduction. Its range, safety performance, warranty terms, final equipment, price, and delivery schedule have not yet been independently demonstrated in a production vehicle.
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What happened to the $20,000 Slate truck?
The $20,000 figure was an incentive-adjusted launch calculation, not Slate Auto’s promised unsubsidized sticker price. Early coverage described an expected price below $27,500. Subtracting the $7,500 federal clean-vehicle credit produced the roughly $20,000 figure that made the truck headline-worthy.
That calculation is no longer valid for future buyers who acquire a qualifying vehicle after September 30, 2025. The federal clean-vehicle credits were terminated for vehicles acquired after that date. State or local incentives could still affect an individual buyer’s final cost, but no universal $7,500 federal reduction should be assumed.
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- Built Like a Real Construction Truck: Built with thick, heavy-duty plastic instead of the thin, flimsy shells found on many 24V ride on toys, this dump truck is built to handle everyday play. Powered by a reliable 24V battery, the spacious 19-inch seat comfortably fits growing kids up to 110 lbs, while soft-start technology delivers smooth acceleration for a safer, more enjoyable ride
- Load, Haul & Dump Like the Real Thing: With its realistic construction truck design, kids can load sand, leaves, or snow with the included shovel, haul materials around the yard. When it's time to unload, these materials can be effortlessly released by pushing the joystick down to automatically tip the dump bed
- EVA Tires for a Smoother Ride: Instead of hard plastic wheels found on many ride on car, the unique tread pattern of EVA tires enhances tire-to-ground friction, improving grip and significantly reducing vibrations transmitted to the vehicle and passengers. Whether your child is driving on grass, tile floors, or concrete roads, the upgraded EVA tires ensure a stable and comfortable ride on most surfaces
- Parents Stay in Control: For a young kid, parents can use the 2.4G remote to control the vehicle's movement. The remote control features an emergency brake button and can override manual mode for added safety and parental peace of mind. Besides, the independent driving allows adventurous kids to enjoy the thrill of driving on their own
- More Fun Every Ride: Favorite songs, stories, and music make every adventure even more exciting. Built-in music, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity keep kids entertained while exploring the backyard, making this kids' electric vehicles a memorable gift they'll enjoy encouraging hours of imaginative outdoor play
Slate’s current official pricing is more precise:
- Blank Slate Truck: $24,950 before taxes, title, license, registration, government fees, destination, documentation fees, equipment, and options.
- Listed destination charge: $1,450.
- Pickup price plus listed destination: $26,400 before taxes, fees, and options.
- SUV configurations: starting at $29,950, before applicable additional charges and equipment.
So the accurate description is: Slate initially pitched a roughly $20,000 electric truck after incentives, but the current base price is $24,950 before fees and options.
Slate Auto’s plan: sell a simple vehicle, then let owners build it out
Slate Auto says it was established in 2022 to develop an affordable, repairable, modular vehicle. The company describes itself as an American automaker with design work in Michigan and California, engineering in Michigan, and planned assembly in Warsaw, Indiana.
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The startup is backed by Jeff Bezos’s family office and other investors. That connection helps explain why Slate has attracted attention, but Bezos should be described as a backer—not Slate’s chief executive, vehicle designer, or operating leader. Slate identifies Peter Faricy as its CEO.
Funding figures should also be treated as time-specific. TechCrunch reported in June 2026 that Slate had raised approximately $1.4 billion across three funding rounds. Slate’s June 2026 announcement separately described a $650 million Series C round. The cumulative figure may change as private financing develops, so neither number should be treated as a permanent measure of the company’s resources.
The product strategy is the opposite of loading every vehicle with expensive, integrated hardware. Slate wants to sell a low-cost base vehicle and allow owners to add functionality over time through its accessories marketplace. The company says that marketplace will include more than 200 accessories, with more than 80 percent priced below $500. Examples include roof racks, stereos, zip-off seat covers, and light covers.
That approach could make the starting price more accessible, but it creates an important ownership question: the headline price is for a very basic truck. Buyers who add an SUV conversion, audio equipment, wraps, roof equipment, storage, or other accessories could end up substantially above $24,950.
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The Slate begins as a compact two-seat electric pickup. Buyers can order the pickup configuration, choose an SUV configuration, or convert the vehicle later with a kit. Slate identifies these formats:
- Standard pickup: the basic two-seat truck with an open bed.
- Squareback SUV: a more upright enclosed conversion intended to add passenger and enclosed-cargo utility.
- Fastback SUV: a lower, more sloped enclosed configuration.
- Open Air: a more exposed configuration aimed at recreational use.
The company says the SUV versions start at $29,950. Conversion pricing, installation requirements, final equipment, and the exact effect on range and cargo capacity should be confirmed when production versions and final kits are available.
Rank #2
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- 24V Licensed Chevrolet - JORFLY 2 seater ride on big trucks for kids features a 20" extra wide seat, comfortably accommodating two smaller children or one big kids. There are seat belts for safety. This 24v ride on toy for big kid allows children to share adventures with friends, enhancing fun and interaction. Car Size: 44.9''x35.83''x33.46''. Max Load: 135 lbs.
- Dual Driving Modes - Children can drive this 24 volt ride on car by themselves and experience the thrill of driving and adventure. It is also equipped with a 2.4GHz remote control for parents, which can easily control the driving function of the children's car, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for children.
- Spacious Storage Basket - This 24 volt ride on toys for kids with remote includes a handy storage compartment, perfect for kids to carry toys, snacks, fruit and water, making more fun for every adventure and learning sharing for friends.
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Customization also replaces conventional paint. Slate says every vehicle starts with a gray composite exterior and can be changed with wraps. More than 100 wrap colors are expected at launch, and full wraps are planned to cost less than $500. Those are launch plans rather than guaranteed final availability or pricing.
What the Blank Slate leaves out
The base truck is intentionally sparse. It has manual windows and no factory infotainment system or touchscreen. Instead, Slate’s stated approach is to let owners use their own phones, tablets, or portable speakers, avoiding the cost of built-in hardware that can become obsolete.
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Slate also says a tablet accessory bracket will be available. A generic car tablet mount may be useful for some owners, but third-party fitment should not be assumed until the production dashboard, mounting points, safety requirements, and Slate’s own bracket specifications are confirmed.
This minimalist cabin is central to the business case. It may appeal to buyers who already rely on a phone for navigation and prefer replaceable consumer electronics. It will be less attractive to buyers who expect built-in navigation, a factory audio system, power windows, a large display, or the seamless integration found in mainstream vehicles.
Projected Slate Truck specifications
Slate’s published specifications are manufacturer estimates for a preproduction vehicle. The 205-mile range is based on an approximation of the EPA test cycle; it is not an official EPA range rating. The following figures should therefore be read as targets, not independently verified production results.
| Specification | Manufacturer estimate or stated target |
|---|---|
| Battery | 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack; 63 kWh usable |
| Motor and drive | Single rear-mounted motor; rear-wheel drive |
| Output | 135 kW and 264 Nm of torque |
| 0–60 mph | Approximately 8.0 seconds |
| Top speed | Approximately 90 mph |
| Projected range | 205 miles; not an official EPA rating |
| Projected payload | 1,550 pounds |
| Projected towing capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Bed volume | 35.1 cubic feet |
| Frunk volume | 7.0 cubic feet |
| Pickup curb weight | 4,048 pounds |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 5,689 pounds |
| Length | 174.6 inches |
| Width | 70.6 inches without mirrors |
| Height | 68.0 inches in pickup form |
| Charging connector | NACS |
| Onboard charger | 11 kW |
| Level 2 charging | Estimated 20–100 percent charge in four hours |
| DC fast charging | Estimated 20–80 percent in 30 minutes at up to 120 kW |
The charging figures are also estimates. An 11-kW onboard charger makes a properly installed home Level 2 setup the likely everyday solution for many owners, while the projected 120-kW DC fast-charging rate is modest compared with some newer EVs. A NACS EV charger may be relevant to a home-charging plan, but connector shape alone does not establish compatibility. The final vehicle’s maximum AC input, electrical requirements, software behavior, circuit size, and approved equipment should be checked before buying or installing any charger.
Is it really a truck?
For light-duty utility work, the projected numbers are meaningful. A 35.1-cubic-foot bed, a 7.0-cubic-foot frunk, a projected 1,550-pound payload, and a projected 2,000-pound tow rating give the Slate more practical capability than its price-focused image might suggest.
Owners using the bed for tools, camping equipment, or loose cargo will likely want a truck-bed organizer and tie-down straps. Those are generic accessories rather than Slate-approved products, and load ratings, attachment points, bed dimensions, and the final payload label must be checked before carrying equipment. The 1,550-pound figure is itself a projected manufacturer specification, not permission to exceed the production vehicle’s certified limits.
Rank #3
- REALISTIC DRIVING ACTION: Give your kids a realistic behind-the-wheel experience with controls sized for small hands and a powerful 12V battery that runs up to 1 hour on a full charge and a max speed of 2.5 mph
- MANUAL AND PARENT CONTROL: Let your child drive manually or use the remote control to safely guide them yourself; remote has forward/reverse and left/right controls
- PERFECTLY SIZED: Precision designed to accurately recreate the Chevrolet Silverado truck, scaled down so your little ones can have a fun-sized ride
- CHILD-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Includes a battery-powered steering wheel, a seat harness with locking doors, a truck bed for easy toy storage, and functional headlights for interactive fun!
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: A built-in sound system allows kids to connect their media devices and enjoy their drive with their favorite music; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 42.9"(L) x 28.4"(W) x 25.2"(H); WEIGHT CAPACITY: 66 lbs.
The compromises are equally important. The cabin has only two seats, the range is projected rather than verified, and the truck is not designed as a conventional family pickup. It is closer to a compact utility vehicle with a bed than a smaller version of a full-size electric truck. The SUV conversion may make it more useful for people and enclosed cargo, but it raises the purchase price and adds another layer of parts and fitment to the ownership equation.
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Slate versus Tesla’s Cybertruck
Slate’s association with Elon Musk is mainly a positioning comparison. The Slate is not a direct performance rival to the Tesla Cybertruck.
The Cybertruck is much larger, more powerful, more expensive, and more technology-heavy. Slate is targeting buyers who may not want a premium electric truck at all. Its bet is that some customers would prefer a small, simple, customizable utility vehicle and accept a two-seat cabin, limited projected range, manual windows, and owner-supplied electronics in exchange for a lower entry price.
In other words, Slate is challenging the assumptions behind expensive electric trucks rather than trying to beat Tesla on acceleration, range, towing, luxury, or spectacle. The comparison is strategic, not a claim that the two vehicles serve the same use case.
Safety: planned features are not test results
Slate says the truck is designed to achieve a five-star U.S. NCAP crash rating. That wording matters. A design goal is not the same as an independently verified crash-test result, and the Slate should not be described as having earned five stars unless an official result is published.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSlate lists the following planned or intended safety equipment:
- Traction control
- Electronic stability control
- Forward-collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Airbags
- Backup camera
- Pedestrian identification
- Automatic high beams
Final equipment, system performance, calibration, and crash-test results need to be confirmed on production vehicles. This is especially important for a minimalist vehicle whose lack of a built-in touchscreen should not be confused with a lack of safety technology—but whose planned driver-assistance features still require validation.
Repairability and warranty claims
Repairability is one of Slate’s central selling points. The company says many repairs will be possible for owners using instructional material from Slate University. That could reduce dependence on a conventional dealership for straightforward work, but it does not mean every repair is suitable for a home garage. High-voltage battery, charging, restraint-system, and structural repairs may require trained professionals and specialized equipment.
Slate also says the vehicle will include a 10-year/110,000-mile battery and powertrain warranty and that owners will have access to more than 3,000 RepairPal shops, including more than 100 high-voltage EV service centers. These are company claims. Buyers should review the final written warranty, exclusions, transfer terms, roadside assistance, parts availability, and service coverage before delivery.
Rank #4
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- 4WD Powerful Kids' Electric Vehicles: Powered by 4 high-performance 100W motors and a 24V rechargeable battery, this electric kids' car can reach a maximum speed of 5 mph. The excellent powertrain and high chassis design improve the passability, while shock absorbers effectively reduce the impact of road bumps, allowing your child to drive smoothly on asphalt, grass, and other uneven surfaces
- Built for Little Transporters: Unlike traditional 2-seater ride on car for kids that quickly lose novelty, this dump truck keeps kids engaged for hours with real, hands-on play. The dump bed tilts effortlessly with a gentle push of the handle, while the openable tailgate and included shovel make it easy for young drivers to load and unload sand, fallen leaves, or toys. Designed for everyday hauling fun, with a maximum load capacity of 110 lbs
- Priority Parent Control: Parents can confidently steer and navigate their children's exploration with the remote control until they learn to drive independently. As the parental remote can always override the manual mode, when an emergency occurs during outdoor adventures, the kids electric car can be stopped by pressing the ''P'' button. It features 3 adjustable speed settings, ranging from 2.5 to 5 MPH, making it ideal for both young children and adventurous kids
- Musical Journeys Await: Besides the pre-set music and stories, this ride on toys supports Bluetooth and USB connectivity, allowing kids to enjoy their favorite music on the go and ensuring that every ride is an adventure filled with laughter. The upgraded music board also includes a battery indicator and low-battery voice prompts to ensure you know when it's time to charge
Slate’s planned service strategy is potentially valuable because a new automaker cannot rely on a large legacy dealer network. But a claimed number of shops is not the same as proven service capacity. The practical questions are whether those locations will be open when deliveries begin, whether they will stock Slate-specific parts, and how quickly owners can obtain repairs.
Production, reservations, and delivery timing
The Slate Truck is not yet a delivered production vehicle. Slate says the vehicles will be designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan, and assembled in Warsaw, Indiana. It plans to invest nearly $400 million in the factory and create more than 2,000 jobs. Those are forward-looking company projections, not completed manufacturing results.
Slate’s current target is Q4 2026 for first deliveries. The target is more specific than the company’s broader late-2026 wording, but it remains a plan. Before customer deliveries, Slate still has to complete final engineering, validation, regulatory and crash-certification work, factory preparation, supplier coordination, production ramp-up, software development, parts distribution, and service training.
Slate has reported more than 180,000 reservation holders. That number should not be treated as 180,000 orders or sales. Reservations can be canceled, may not convert to paid preorders, and do not establish how many customers will ultimately take delivery.
Preorders are currently described as requiring a $300 payment credited toward the purchase price. Existing reservation holders who paid a $50 reservation fee pay $250 to preorder. Prospective buyers should read the current terms carefully for cancellation, refund, delivery, pricing, and configuration conditions; the reservation count alone is not evidence of production demand.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The four biggest risks for buyers
1. Manufacturing execution
The largest risk is the transition from an appealing prototype and reservation campaign to a certified, repeatable production vehicle. Slate must prove that it can build the truck at the promised price, maintain quality, source replacement parts, support software and electronics, and deliver vehicles on schedule.
2. The low price may be difficult to preserve
The $24,950 figure applies to the Blank Slate before destination, taxes, fees, and optional equipment. Slate’s commercial model encourages accessories and conversions. That is attractive for customization, but it also means a realistically equipped vehicle may cost much more than the headline number.
3. Simplicity involves real daily trade-offs
Manual windows and no built-in infotainment help avoid cost and obsolescence, but they also remove conveniences that many buyers consider standard. A phone or tablet can provide navigation and media, yet owners must supply, charge, secure, and eventually replace those devices themselves.
4. Range and charging remain unproven
A projected 205-mile range could be adequate for commuting and local utility work, especially with home charging. It may be restrictive for frequent highway travel, cold-weather driving, towing, or long trips with limited charging access. The final EPA rating and independent real-world testing will matter more than the current estimate.
Best Value
- 2-SEATER RIDE-ON TRUCK: Built for double the fun, this ride-on supports up to 132 pounds, making it great for your children and their friends
- 90-MINUTE RUN TIME: A fully rechargeable 24V battery allows your child to enjoy this ride-on toy for well over an hour on just one charge
- PARENTAL REMOTE CONTROL: Let your child take the wheel or use the included remote to join the fun as you guide them on their adventure, while a built-in Bluetooth sound system lets your child enjoy their favorite playtime songs
- FOR AGES 3-7: Built with your child's protection in mind, this ride on features an adjustable seat harness to secure them when in motion, treaded plastic wheel, LED headlights and 2-wheel suspension for smooth riding
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Small yet powerful with a set of two 24V electric motors for 2-wheel drive, this ride-on is built to support two children with two preset speeds: 2 mph & 4mph; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 45.3"(L) x 31.7"(W) x 30.7"(H); WEIGHT CAPACITY: 132 lbs.
What to verify before placing a preorder
- Final transaction price: Confirm destination, documentation, government fees, taxes, options, conversion kits, and any price protection.
- Incentive eligibility: Do not subtract the former $7,500 federal credit from the current price. Check any state or local program separately and confirm eligibility at the time of purchase.
- EPA range and charging: Look for the final EPA label, cold-weather expectations, towing impact, charging curve, and approved home-charging equipment.
- Safety results: Wait for official crash-test results and final details of the driver-assistance systems.
- Warranty documents: Confirm exactly what the 10-year/110,000-mile battery and powertrain promise covers and excludes.
- Service availability: Check whether a RepairPal or other EV service location near you is actually prepared to work on Slate vehicles when deliveries start.
- Accessory fitment: Confirm that mounts, racks, bed organizers, charging equipment, and conversion parts fit the production vehicle rather than a prototype.
- Delivery terms: Review the preorder agreement, payment schedule, cancellation rules, and whether Slate can change specifications or pricing before delivery.
Who the Slate Truck could suit
The Slate makes the most sense for a buyer who wants an inexpensive local-use EV, values a small footprint and open cargo bed, has regular access to home charging, and is comfortable supplying some of the technology that other automakers install at the factory. It could also appeal to hobbyists who like the idea of gradually changing a vehicle with wraps, racks, storage, audio, or an SUV conversion.
It is a weaker fit for a family that needs more than two seats, a driver who regularly travels long distances, a buyer who expects a finished luxury interior, or anyone who needs a proven service network and established reliability record today. The vehicle’s strengths depend on accepting its limitations.
Bottom-line assessment
Slate Auto’s truck is an ambitious attempt to create a new low-cost EV category, not a $20,000 production vehicle available today. Its current starting price is $24,950 before fees and options, and the listed destination charge brings the simple pickup to $26,400 before taxes and other costs. The company is trading away screens, power accessories, cabin space, and some range to offer a simpler platform that owners can customize.
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The concept is compelling because the U.S. market has few genuinely inexpensive electric utility vehicles. But the most important facts remain unproven: whether Slate can manufacture the truck at this price, whether the 205-mile estimate becomes a satisfactory EPA rating, whether safety targets are achieved, whether its service network is ready, and whether first deliveries actually begin in Q4 2026. For now, the Slate is an intriguing preproduction bet—not a delivered $20,000 Tesla alternative.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Slate Truck actually $20,000?
No. The roughly $20,000 figure came from applying an anticipated $7,500 federal EV credit to an expected price below $27,500. Slate’s current listed price for the Blank Slate Truck is $24,950 before destination, taxes, fees, and options. The listed $1,450 destination charge brings that figure to $26,400 before other costs.
When will the Slate Truck be available?
Slate currently expects first deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a company target, not a completed delivery record. The truck remains in preproduction.
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Does the Slate Truck have an EPA-rated 205-mile range?
Not yet. Slate describes 205 miles as a projected range based on an approximation of the EPA test cycle. The final EPA rating and independent real-world range are not yet available.
Has Slate earned a five-star crash rating?
There is no researched official result confirming that. Slate says the truck is designed to achieve a five-star U.S. NCAP rating, which is a target rather than a published crash-test result.
Is Jeff Bezos running Slate Auto?
Available reporting identifies Bezos’s family office as a backer. It does not identify Bezos as Slate’s CEO or vehicle designer. Slate identifies Peter Faricy as its CEO.
What makes the Slate different from a normal electric pickup?
It is smaller and deliberately simpler, with two seats, manual windows, no factory touchscreen or infotainment system, rear-wheel drive, and a planned accessory and conversion marketplace. The strategy is to keep the base vehicle inexpensive and let owners add features over time.
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Bottom line: The Slate Truck’s $20,000 reputation came from an obsolete incentive calculation. The current Blank Slate starts at $24,950 before fees, and its most important promises—including 205-mile range, five-star safety, repairability, warranty support, and Q4 2026 deliveries—remain company projections or plans until production vehicles are independently tested and delivered.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
