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The Slate Truck is real, but the familiar “$20,000 electric pickup” description is no longer accurate as a current purchase-price claim. Slate Auto’s official FAQ lists the base Blank Slate at $24,950, plus a $1,450 destination charge, before options, taxes, and other costs. The company is accepting preorders and says first deliveries are planned for late 2026.
What makes the Slate unusual is not just its price. It is a preproduction, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive electric pickup designed to be wrapped instead of painted, use the owner’s phone or tablet instead of a built-in touchscreen, and rely on a portable Bluetooth speaker rather than a conventional factory stereo. It can also be converted into a five-seat SUV or other configurations with kits. Those choices reduce built-in complexity and support personalization, but they also mean a small cabin, modest towing capability, projected—not certified—range, and meaningful execution risk from a new automaker.
What is the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck is an upcoming battery-electric vehicle from Slate Auto, a startup automaker. Every vehicle begins as a two-seat, two-door electric pickup. Owners can then configure it with accessories and conversion kits, including a five-seat Squareback SUV, Fastback SUV, Open Air Kit, or Cargo Kit.
Slate describes the vehicle as designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan, and assembled or manufactured in Warsaw, Indiana. That supports calling it an American-designed, American-engineered, and Indiana-assembled vehicle. It does not, by itself, establish that every component or the entire supply chain is American-made.
The truck is still in preproduction. Slate’s listed specifications are manufacturer estimates, and the company warns that specifications may change before production and certification. It is therefore not a currently available production truck, and no customer-delivery track record exists yet.
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The price: $24,950, not $20,000
The current advertised starting price for the Blank Slate is $24,950. Slate lists a separate $1,450 destination charge, making the advertised vehicle-plus-destination total $26,400 before taxes, registration, options, accessories, and any applicable incentives. Slate also says the $300 preorder deposit is applied toward the final purchase price.
The $20,000 figure comes from earlier discussions of a projected sub-$20,000 net price after federal electric-vehicle incentives. That was not the same as a $20,000 transaction price, and Slate’s current official materials use the $24,950 starting price instead. Buyers should not assume that the older net-price estimate still applies, because incentive eligibility, incentive amounts, and the vehicle’s final production status can all affect the result.
There is also an important difference between placing a preorder and buying a delivered vehicle. Slate says preorders are open and first deliveries are slated for late 2026, but the truck remains preproduction. The final price, equipment, specifications, delivery timing, and available options could change.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhy the Slate has no paint
Slate says the truck is designed to be wrapped, not painted. The unpainted exterior is part of the company’s effort to keep the vehicle simpler and make cosmetic personalization replaceable rather than permanent.
Slate’s build information lists more than 100 wrap colors. Wraps start at $500, while professional installation is targeted at another $500. Those are listed starting figures rather than a guarantee of the final price for every color, design, or installation location.
This approach changes the ownership calculation. A conventional painted vehicle arrives with its exterior finish included, while a Slate buyer may want to budget for a wrap to get the appearance they expect. On the other hand, a replaceable wrap could make it easier to change the truck’s look, apply business branding, or refresh damaged cosmetic panels without repainting the vehicle.
Why there is no built-in touchscreen
The Slate does not use a conventional built-in infotainment system. Instead, the cabin is designed around a mount for the owner’s phone or tablet, charging for that device, and a holder for a portable speaker. Heating and air conditioning remain standard, with analog controls rather than a touchscreen interface.
That means the vehicle is not electronically bare. Slate says its app can display charge status and battery health and help locate charging stations. The app is not required to drive the truck, however, and the core interface is intended to use a device the owner already owns.
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For buyers planning to use a tablet vehicle mount or another generic phone-and-tablet solution, compatibility should be treated as unconfirmed until Slate publishes final dimensions, attachment points, device limits, and production-cabin details. A mount that works in another car may not fit the Slate’s holder or remain secure on rough roads.
Why there is no conventional stereo
Slate’s audio solution is similarly modular. The truck provides a holder for a portable Bluetooth speaker rather than a traditional built-in stereo. Slate also lists accessory speakers that can turn the dashboard into a soundbar and an accessory steering-wheel controller for connected audio devices.
A portable Bluetooth speaker is therefore a general accessory category to consider, not an official recommendation that a particular speaker will fit. Before buying one, owners should confirm the final holder’s dimensions, retention method, charging arrangement, weather exposure, and whether steering-wheel controls work with the speaker or the owner’s phone. Slate-specific accessory compatibility should not be assumed from a generic product listing.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The upside is that the audio hardware can be replaced or upgraded separately from the vehicle. The downside is that sound quality, security, charging, and day-to-day convenience may depend on an accessory that is not integrated into the truck’s electrical and infotainment systems.
Current projected specifications
Slate’s June 24, 2026 specification sheet provides the following manufacturer estimates for the pickup configuration:
| Item | Slate’s current estimate or description |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive |
| Battery | 65 kWh total; 63 kWh usable |
| Battery chemistry | LFP |
| Output | 135 kW and 264 Nm of torque |
| 0–60 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 90 mph |
| Projected pickup range | 205 miles |
| Onboard AC charger | 11 kW |
| Charging connector | NACS |
| Pickup payload | 1,550 pounds |
| Pickup towing capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Pickup cargo volume | 35.1 cubic feet in the bed and 7 cubic feet in the frunk |
| Length | 174.6 inches |
| Width | 70.6 inches without mirrors |
| Height as a pickup | 68.0 inches |
| Wheelbase | 108.9 inches |
Slate also lists different utility figures for the SUV configuration: 1,263 pounds of payload and 1,824 pounds of towing capacity. The pickup figures above should not be transferred to an SUV conversion automatically.
None of the performance, range, payload, or towing figures should be treated as final certification data. Slate says the truck is in preproduction and describes the range as an approximation of the EPA test cycle rather than an official EPA estimate. Actual range will vary with temperature, speed, driving style, terrain, accessories, charging behavior, and battery condition.
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What the range and performance mean in everyday use
A projected 205-mile pickup range places the Slate in a different category from long-range electric trucks designed for frequent interstate travel or heavy towing. It appears better suited to commuting, errands, local deliveries, light hauling, and recreational equipment such as kayaks, motorcycles, yard equipment, or small trailers.
The 8.0-second estimated 0–60-mph time and 90-mph estimated top speed also signal a practical rather than performance-oriented vehicle. The single rear motor should keep the powertrain relatively straightforward, but the rear-wheel-drive layout may be less appealing to buyers who regularly drive in deep snow, on loose surfaces, or over difficult terrain. Final tire and traction-system specifications will matter.
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The 1,550-pound pickup payload is potentially useful for a small truck, but payload includes the load in the bed and the occupants and equipment carried by the vehicle. Adding a heavy conversion, passengers, racks, spare tire, or other accessories reduces the remaining capacity. Owners should use the final door-jamb and owner’s-manual ratings rather than relying only on the headline number.
Towing: suitable for small trailers, not a full-size tow rig
The pickup’s projected 2,000-pound towing capacity is enough for some small utility trailers and recreational loads, but it is not a substitute for a full-size truck. Slate itself emphasizes that towing can substantially reduce electric-vehicle range and says the truck is not intended to replace a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
In practical terms, towing range can be affected by trailer weight, frontal area, speed, wind, hills, temperature, cargo, and the availability of compatible charging stops. A driver who normally has enough range for a 100-mile round trip may need a charging plan when pulling even a relatively small trailer.
The SUV conversion has a lower listed towing capacity of 1,824 pounds and a lower listed payload of 1,263 pounds. Buyers who want the SUV body should evaluate the conversion’s final ratings rather than assuming the pickup’s capabilities carry over.
Charging the Slate Truck
Slate says every vehicle includes a charging cable. Level 1 charging can use a standard household outlet. Slate estimates approximately 17 hours to charge from 20% to 80% using Level 1.
For faster home charging, the truck supports Level 2 equipment through an appliance-style outlet and has an 11-kW onboard charger. Slate estimates about four hours from 20% to 100% on Level 2. A homeowner considering a Level 2 EV charger should confirm the final vehicle connection, household electrical capacity, installation location, and local permit requirements. A charging cable is included, but a wall-mounted charger and electrical installation are separate considerations and may require a qualified professional.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The NACS connector also supports public DC fast charging. Slate estimates approximately 30 minutes from 20% to 80% on Level 3 DC fast charging. That figure is an estimate, not a guarantee for every station or battery condition. Charging speed can taper as the battery fills, and the final production vehicle’s charging curve will be more informative than the connector type alone.
Slate identifies Treehouse as a home-charging installation partner. Availability, pricing, service geography, and any referral arrangements should be confirmed directly before a buyer treats that partnership as part of the purchase process.
From pickup to SUV: how the modular system works
The Slate’s defining product idea is that the buyer does not have to choose one permanent body style at purchase. The starting vehicle is a two-seat pickup, but Slate says owners can select or later add:
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- Squareback SUV: a five-seat SUV-style configuration.
- Fastback SUV: another five-seat SUV body option with a sloping rear profile.
- Open Air Kit: a configuration intended to provide a more open-air experience.
- Cargo Kit: a utility-focused configuration for carrying equipment.
The concept could be valuable for a buyer whose needs change. A two-seat work or hobby vehicle could eventually become a family vehicle, or an owner could prioritize open-air recreation instead of passenger space. But the cost, installation requirements, weight, impact on range, and final availability of each conversion need to be evaluated separately. Slate has not established that every kit will be included in the base price.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Slate’s marketplace also lists wraps, decals, lighting, roof racks, tonneau covers, spare-tire carriers, hitch hardware, storage mounts, wheels, tires, suspension components, audio equipment, and interior accessories. Many of these are Slate-specific products rather than ordinary substitutes available from a general retailer.
The company is also seeking manufacturers interested in developing Slate-compatible accessories. That creates the possibility of a broader aftermarket, but it should be viewed as an ecosystem opportunity rather than proof that a large catalog of third-party parts already exists.
Safety: features listed, crash rating not yet proven
Slate says the truck is designed to achieve a five-star USNCAP crash rating. It lists traction control, electronic stability control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, airbags, a backup camera, pedestrian identification, and automatic high beams.
Those statements describe planned equipment and a safety target. They do not establish that a final production Slate has already received an official five-star rating. Until a completed vehicle is tested and the result is published by the relevant authority, the rating should remain an objective rather than a confirmed specification.
The same caution applies to advanced-driver-assistance behavior. A feature list does not reveal how well a system performs in rain, snow, glare, construction zones, poor lane markings, or unusual road situations. Buyers should wait for final documentation and independent testing before making safety comparisons with established vehicles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Service and production risk
Slate’s largest unknown is execution. A new automaker must complete development, regulatory testing, manufacturing ramp-up, parts supply, software validation, delivery, and after-sales support. Slate’s own materials identify the vehicle as preproduction and say specifications may change.
Slate says RepairPal is helping certify shops for its vehicles, which is a useful indication that the company is planning a broader Slate service network. It is not yet the same as having a mature nationwide dealer and repair network. Prospective buyers should ask where warranty, collision, high-voltage, glass, tire, and body repairs will be handled in their area, and how parts will be supplied.
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Service availability matters especially because the truck’s unusual design may create different repair questions. A conventional body shop may not have experience with Slate’s wrap system, conversion kits, accessory wiring, or future modular components. Owners should keep records of which kits and accessories are installed and confirm that modifications do not affect service coverage.
Who should consider the Slate?
The Slate makes the most sense for a buyer who:
- Wants a small electric pickup for local driving rather than a heavy-duty truck.
- Can live with two seats initially or is comfortable budgeting for a later conversion.
- Values a low-complexity cabin and does not require a built-in touchscreen.
- Likes the idea of choosing a phone, tablet, and portable audio setup.
- Wants to personalize the truck with wraps and modular accessories.
- Can charge at home or has a realistic public-charging plan.
- Is willing to accept the risks of buying from a startup before its first deliveries.
Who should look elsewhere?
The Slate is a poor fit for someone who needs a vehicle immediately, regularly carries a large family, expects long highway range, or tows a heavy trailer. It is also not an obvious replacement for a four-wheel-drive work truck, a full-size pickup, or a vehicle with an established service network.
Buyers who dislike relying on a personal phone or tablet may find the no-touchscreen approach inconvenient. So may buyers who expect a conventional stereo, factory paint, or a fully equipped vehicle with no accessory purchases required. The Slate’s minimalism is intentional, but intentional minimalism can still be the wrong ownership experience for a particular driver.
Questions to ask before placing a preorder
- What will the final out-the-door price be? Start with the $24,950 base price and $1,450 destination charge, then add the desired wrap, conversion, wheels, tires, racks, audio equipment, and other options.
- Which specifications are guaranteed? Treat the 205-mile range, 1,550-pound payload, 2,000-pound towing capacity, 8.0-second acceleration, and charging times as estimates until final certification.
- What happens if delivery is delayed? Review the preorder terms, deposit treatment, cancellation policy, and any changes to pricing or configuration.
- Where will the truck be serviced? Verify local options for routine maintenance, collision repairs, high-voltage work, software, and parts.
- What does each conversion kit cost? Confirm whether the Squareback, Fastback, Open Air, and Cargo configurations can be installed after delivery and how each affects payload, towing, range, and warranty coverage.
- How will the cabin work without built-in infotainment? Check the final phone/tablet mount, device charging, speaker holder, audio controls, navigation options, and cellular requirements.
- Can the home charging installation support the vehicle? Confirm electrical service, outlet or charger requirements, cable reach, permits, and the availability of a qualified installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Slate Truck really $20,000?
Not according to Slate’s current official pricing. The Blank Slate is listed at $24,950, plus a $1,450 destination charge. The earlier $20,000 figure appears to have referred to a projected net price after federal EV incentives, not a current guaranteed transaction price.
When will the Slate Truck be available?
Slate says preorders are open and first deliveries are slated for late 2026. The vehicle remains in preproduction, so timing and specifications may change.
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Does the Slate Truck have a touchscreen or stereo?
It does not use a conventional built-in infotainment system or factory stereo. Slate describes a phone or tablet mount, device charging, a portable-speaker holder, and optional audio accessories. Heating and air conditioning use analog controls.
What is the Slate Truck’s range?
Slate projects approximately 205 miles for the pickup configuration. That is a manufacturer approximation of the EPA test cycle, not an official EPA-certified range rating, and real-world range will vary.
How much can the Slate Truck tow?
Slate currently estimates 2,000 pounds for the pickup and 1,824 pounds for the SUV configuration. Towing can significantly reduce electric range, and the truck is not intended to replace a full-size or heavy-duty tow vehicle.
Does the Slate Truck have a five-star safety rating?
Not yet, based on the available information. Slate says the vehicle is designed to achieve a five-star USNCAP rating and lists several safety features, but a completed official rating should not be claimed until testing results are published.
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The Bottom Line
The Slate Truck is best understood as a $24,950-plus-destination preproduction electric vehicle platform—not a currently available $20,000 pickup. Its two-seat modular design, wrap-based exterior, phone-and-speaker cabin, and Indiana assembly are genuinely different. The tradeoff is equally clear: a projected 205-mile range, rear-wheel drive, 2,000-pound pickup towing capacity, no confirmed final EPA figures or crash rating, and the delivery and service uncertainty that comes with a new automaker.
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.
