The vehicle behind the headline is the Slate Truck, a two-door, rear-wheel-drive electric pickup from Michigan startup Slate Auto. Its original April 2025 launch pitch targeted a price below $20,000 after potential federal incentives—and intentionally left out a conventional radio, speakers, and touchscreen.
That headline is now outdated as a buying description. Slate’s current advertised price for the base “Blank Slate” is $24,950, before a $1,450 destination charge, taxes, registration, documentation fees, and optional equipment. The truck remains preproduction, with preorders open and deliveries currently targeted for late 2026.
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What “no radio” actually means
The base Slate does not have a conventional integrated infotainment system. There is no large center touchscreen, factory head unit, or built-in speaker system in the minimalist configuration.
That does not mean the truck is incapable of playing audio. Slate’s current FAQ describes a phone-centered setup using a universal phone mount, USB power, portable Bluetooth speakers, or optional accessory audio. Drivers can still use a phone for music, podcasts, navigation prompts, and calls; they simply supply much of the hardware that other vehicles include.
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- Bluetooth Connectivity - With built-in Bluetooth technology, connect your smartphone wirelessly. This allows for convenient hands-free calling, enabling you to make and receive phone calls while keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- USB Input - Receiver is equipped with a USB port for easy connection to your portable devices, including smartphones, MP3 players, or USB drives. Play music directly from the device or charge it on the go.
- Media Playback - Car stereo supports an array of file formats such as MP3, WMA, AAC, and WAV, ensuring compatibility with your entire digital music library. Enjoy seamless connectivity with USB inputs and experience crisp, high-quality audio.
- Advanced Sound Retriever - Immerse yourself in enhanced audio quality with the Advanced Sound Retriever feature. Innovative technology intelligently restores audio details lost during compression, resulting in clearer, more dynamic sound reproduction.
- Installation & Operation – Installing this mechless head unit in a wide variety of applications is easier than ever with a chassis depth of less than 4”. See Owner’s Manual for full detail and operation. Dimensions – 3.875” x 7” x 2"
Slate’s approach is best understood as “no integrated audio system,” rather than “no audio” or “no Bluetooth.” Early launch coverage used broader wording, but the company’s current materials specifically discuss wirelessly connecting phones to portable speakers or accessory audio.
The $20,000 figure was a launch target, not today’s sticker price
| Price detail | What it means |
|---|---|
| Original April 2025 target | Under $20,000 after potential federal incentives |
| Current advertised base price | $24,950 for the Blank Slate |
| Destination charge | $1,450 |
| Still excluded | Taxes, title, license, registration, government and documentation fees, options, and possible installation costs |
Slate’s original April 2025 announcement described the sub-$20,000 number as target pricing that excluded taxes and fees and depended partly on potential incentive eligibility. That was never equivalent to a universal $20,000 transaction price.
The current figure is more straightforward: the Blank Slate starts at $24,950, and the destination charge alone brings the pre-tax subtotal to $26,400. A buyer’s actual cost will be higher once government charges and desired equipment are included. Incentive eligibility can vary with the law, vehicle qualification, buyer income, tax circumstances, and purchase timing, so no buyer should assume the old under-$20,000 figure applies.
What comes with the bare-bones truck?
The Blank Slate is a deliberately simplified two-seat pickup. Its base configuration is expected to include:
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- Push To Talk - Connect to your Smartphone’s Android and IOS assistant with the push of a button via Bluetooth. This unit Lets you access information, accept commands, and keep driving
- Switchable Tuner - The selectable tuner function allows you to adjust this receiver's tuner to receive radio broadcasts in the US & Europe
- Bluetooth - Answer/make calls and be hands-free with no distractions. The built-in microphone picks up your voice and your car speakers let you hear the person on the other side. Play and control your music and apps like Spotify/Pandora wirelessly
- Auxiliary - Compatible with the audio output from smartphones as well as MP3 players
- Inputs - The USB port gives you the option to have a vast library of audio files at your fingertips. The auxiliary input is a convenient way to hook up to your MP3 player. Advanced Bluetooth supported profiles include A2DP, AVRCP and HFP
- A two-door pickup body
- Rear-wheel drive
- Manual crank windows
- Basic steel wheels
- Molded plastic exterior panels instead of conventional painted bodywork
- Minimal tactile interior controls
- A phone mount and USB power instead of a fully integrated digital dashboard
- No conventional integrated stereo, factory speaker system, or large touchscreen
Slate says the truck is designed with modern safety equipment such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and up to eight airbags. Those are intended features, not a substitute for independently verified crash-test results or final safety ratings. The vehicle is still preproduction, and its equipment may change.
Some launch reports also described details such as a single gray exterior and no internet connectivity. Those should be treated as launch-material or configuration-specific descriptions, not guaranteed final-production specifications. Slate’s current strategy emphasizes exterior wraps and accessories.
Projected range, charging, and truck capability
| Item | Current information |
|---|---|
| Projected base range | Approximately 205 miles |
| Original launch estimate | 150 miles |
| Charging connector | NACS |
| Base battery information | The original launch material listed a 52.7-kWh standard pack and an 84.3-kWh accessory pack; consult Slate’s latest specifications for final battery details |
| Production status | Preproduction |
Slate’s current specification sheet describes the roughly 205-mile figure as an estimate based on an approximation of the EPA test cycle. It is not yet an official EPA-rated range and remains subject to change.
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Real-world range will also depend on speed, temperature, tires, payload, accessories, and driving conditions. Those variables matter especially in a pickup. Buyers considering towing or frequent hauling should wait for final payload, towing, charging, and range-under-load information rather than treating 205 miles as a universal operating figure.
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- 【High Quality Car Stereo Player】- Our double din car stereo size with 7.01"(L)*3.94"(W)2.56"(H), please check the size of your car's radio before ordering. 7inch double din car stereo with 1024*600 Full HD touch screen gives you a fantastic experience. You can enjoy the stream music and the clear picture with your family. Hope you have a good time.
- 【Double Din Car Stereo Phone Mirror Link】- Support mirrorlink and navigation function for most the android cell phone and iPhone, you can connect your smartphone to car audio via a smartphone data cable, easily connect and sync any content (such as video, music, GPS Navigation etc) to the car player displayed on a large screen. Note: the stereo player is not a GPS unit, it gets GPS navigation function by connecting to the cellphone.
- 【7 inch Double Din Car Radio With Bluetooth 5.0 and FM 】- Bluetooth 5.0 and microphone allow you to answer callings, listen to music and media sounds from devices with Bluetooth function. Take Phone Call Hands Free - Free both your hands by dialing and listening to a call on radio by BT connection. It will ensure the safety of your way. High-quality FM radio stereo receiver, three kinds of channel search mode, listen to music, news and traffic information, anywhere and enjoy yourself.
- 【Car Stereo Double Din Inputs】- USB /SD/AUX input. car audio receivers support vast USB, TF Card(Up to 32G) storage equipment, you can download the songs and videos you like into the storage equipment to play. AUX audio input, support external aux(3.5mm plug) to input into the audio, such as navigation, MP3, MP5. Charging function, the USB interfaces are support of cellphones' charging, no worries about having no power. Support Remote Control.
- 【Standard Double Din Stereo with Backup Camera】- Parking has never been easier with this premium double din car stereo which supports front and rear camera, for a safer and time-efficient experience! Simply shift into reverse and the system powers on the camera automatically, for optimal visibility no matter the weather conditions! If you encounter any operation or other problems, please contact us (click "Contact Seller" on your order page)
The truck is also a modular vehicle platform
Slate is not simply proposing a cheap fixed pickup. The company’s larger idea is to sell a simple vehicle first and let owners add capability later.
- The two-seat pickup can be converted into a five-seat SUV with modular kits.
- Owners can change the vehicle’s appearance with wraps rather than conventional paint.
- Audio, comfort, utility, wheel, battery, and other equipment can be added as needed.
- Some personalization and maintenance are intended to be handled through DIY instructions, Slate’s Slate U program, or a service network.
Slate says it has more than 200 accessories and over 180,000 reservations. Those are company-reported figures, not independently audited totals.
This strategy could make sense for an owner who wants a small commuter pickup now and an SUV later. It also creates the central pricing risk: a buyer who adds extra seats, more range, audio, improved appearance, utility equipment, and professional installation is no longer evaluating the stripped-down vehicle that created the original $20,000 headline.
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Slate currently accepts a $300 non-refundable preorder deposit, or $250 for certain eligible holders of the earlier $50 reservation. The deposit is credited toward the final purchase price, but it is not the same as buying the truck or securing an immediately available vehicle.
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- Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling & Smart Voice Control: Single Din car stereo features stable Bluetooth 6.0 for seamless pairing with iOS/Android phones, delivering crystal-clear hands-free calling to ensure safer driving. One-button trigger activates Siri/Google Assistant for voice commands (music, navigation, calls), keeping eyes on the road. Stream Spotify, podcasts & music wirelessly for commute & road trips.Car Audio with Push to Talk Assistant.
- Digital FM Radio with Memory Presets: High-sensitivity digital FM/AM tuner (87.5-108MHz) supports auto/manual precise channel search, with 30+ radio presets & built-in memory function. Quickly access news, music, weather & traffic updates anytime, enhancing your in-car entertainment without RDS/CD.
- Multimode Input & AUX：Car audio head unit supports dual USB, TF card, AUX-in & RCA output, compatible with MP3/WMA/FLAC/WAV lossless audio. Built-in 3.0A fast charging port charges phones 50% faster; connect subwoofers via RCA for powerful bass, ideal for music lovers.
- App Remote & Customized Sound & Ambience: Support app remote control via iOS/Android for easy operation while driving. Built-in EQ with Pop/Rock/Classic presets, 7-color LED backlight to customize interior ambiance. Digital LCD display ensures clear viewing & responsive control for all ages.
- With more than 10 years of market experience, our car radio has been fully tested and trusted across North America. It fits all 12V vehicles and is easy to install when the size matches. We continuously update the compatible vehicle list, and it is universally suitable for classic and older models, including those from 1995 to 2007. As a brand focusing on North America, we craft each product carefully and offer lifetime product support. If you have any problems with the product, Bluetooth pairing or screen settings, please contact our team via Amazon—we will live up to your trust with our reliable service.
Slate says buying and first deliveries are targeted for late 2026. That is a company target, not a guaranteed delivery date. The truck is not yet in ordinary retail production, and Slate says specifications and pricing may change before customer vehicles are delivered. Final accessory selections are expected closer to purchase.
For the most accurate budgeting, a prospective buyer should calculate:
- $24,950 for the base Blank Slate.
- $1,450 for destination.
- Applicable taxes, title, license, registration, documentation, and government fees.
- Every required option, including audio, additional battery capacity, SUV-conversion hardware, wraps, wheels, or utility equipment.
- Any installation or delivery charges.
- Home-charging equipment, insurance, and financing costs where applicable.
Slate’s public materials do not establish a single fully equipped price for every possible configuration, so it would be misleading to present one as the truck’s definitive cost.
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Is the Slate actually a bargain?
It may be attractive if the buyer genuinely wants a compact, simple, rear-wheel-drive EV pickup and is comfortable supplying or adding equipment. The base configuration could appeal to:
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- GENERAL FEATURES: Car Stereo with LCD display, Built in iPhone Control, detachable face, USB 1.5A Connection Charges devices quickly, Powerful 50 Watts per channel Amplifier, Front AUX input, Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, and high-res FLAC and WAV music files
- BLUETOOTH and SMARTPHONE FEATURES: built-in Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free calling (mic included), control 2 phones at once, voice recognition dialing
- AUDIO FEATURES: Plays USB memory devices, 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment, sound-shaping tools get more out of your digital music library, Music Mix feature allows music streaming playback and control from up to five paired smartphones ---Does not play CDs---
- INPUTS: front USB, front auxiliary (AUX) input – OUTPUTS: 6-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt rear, sub)
- INSTALLATION SIZE (WxHxD): 7-3/16" x 2-1/8" x 3-15/16" (182 x 53 x 100mm)
- A minimalist commuter who prefers physical controls and a smartphone-based setup.
- A DIY enthusiast interested in changing the vehicle over time.
- A small-business or local-utility user who needs light-duty hauling rather than a full-size work truck.
- A buyer who values the option to convert between pickup and five-seat SUV roles.
It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs:
- Immediate delivery
- Four-wheel drive or heavy-duty towing and payload capability
- Long highway range
- A conventional five-seat vehicle from day one
- Built-in audio, navigation, and connected services
- Factory-painted body panels
- A finalized EPA range, crash-test record, and production reliability history
Simplicity versus convenience
Eliminating the infotainment unit may reduce cost, weight, complexity, and dependence on a proprietary screen. But a portable speaker can need separate charging, may be less theft-resistant, and will not necessarily integrate with vehicle controls as cleanly as factory audio.
Low entry price versus option creep
The modular concept is most compelling when the buyer can stay close to the base configuration. If ordinary expectations—audio, a different appearance, extra seats, more range, and installation—are essential, the relevant comparison is the configured price, not the headline starting price.
DIY repairability versus owner responsibility
Slate promotes DIY personalization and maintenance, which may reduce dependence on a traditional dealership for some tasks. It can also shift work onto the owner that other automakers include as standard equipment. That is a benefit only if the buyer is willing and able to handle it.
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The unusual part of the original story remains broadly accurate: Slate intentionally designed a minimalist pickup without a conventional integrated radio and touchscreen. The more important correction is financial and commercial.
This is not currently a $20,000 truck available for immediate purchase. It is a preproduction vehicle advertised from $24,950 before destination, fees, and options, with a non-refundable preorder deposit and late-2026 delivery target. The under-$20,000 figure belongs to the original 2025 incentive-dependent launch positioning.
Until final EPA range figures, safety ratings, production validation, accessory pricing, and customer deliveries are available, the Slate should be treated as a promising but unproven vehicle platform—not yet a verified bargain.
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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.
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