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Slate’s New Pickup Truck: Price, Features and Best Customizations

Slate’s compact electric pickup starts at $24,950 before destination and other charges, with projected 205-mile range and late-2026 deliveries. Here’s what comes standard, what the minimalist truck omits and which customizations make the most sense.
Entry010 Date Time12 min MechanicCarCody Team
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Slate’s upcoming electric pickup starts at $24,950 before destination, taxes, registration, fees and options. The two-door, rear-wheel-drive battery-electric truck is designed as a simple two-seat base vehicle that owners can later convert into a five-seat SUV, open-air vehicle or covered-cargo hauler. Slate says first deliveries are expected in late 2026, making this an upcoming 2027-model-year vehicle rather than an established truck already available on dealer lots.

The most important catch is that Slate’s $24,950 price and 205-mile range are not the same as an out-the-door price and an EPA-certified range. The company is still describing several performance, safety and charging figures as projected. For buyers, the Slate makes the most sense as a customizable local or regional EV—not as a fully equipped long-distance truck or premium electric pickup.

Slate’s approach is unusual in the current truck market. Instead of building one expensive pickup with every feature included, the company plans to sell a relatively sparse electric utility vehicle and let buyers add passenger seating, cargo equipment, audio hardware, exterior wraps and other accessories over time.

That strategy could make the Slate attractive to commuters, urban drivers, small businesses and hands-on owners who would rather pay for only the equipment they need. It also means the low starting price comes with meaningful compromises: a phone-centered cabin, limited projected range, a two-seat base configuration and no established record for reliability, service or resale value.

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Slate’s current information is subject to change before production. The company says the vehicle is designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan and assembled in Indiana. Its current U.S. purchase information and specifications are summarized in Slate’s official FAQ, while preorder details are provided on the company’s Slate Truck preorder page.

Slate pickup truck price and preorder details

How much does the Slate cost?

The current advertised price for the base Blank Slate is $24,950. Slate lists a separate $1,450 destination charge, which brings the vehicle and destination subtotal to $26,400 before taxes, title, license, registration, documentation fees, options and accessories.

Cost item Current information
Blank Slate advertised vehicle price $24,950
Destination charge $1,450
Vehicle plus destination subtotal $26,400
Taxes, title, registration and documentation Not included
Optional equipment and accessories Not included
Current preorder deposit $300, non-refundable, credited toward the purchase price

Therefore, calling the Slate a $24,950 truck is accurate only when referring to its advertised starting vehicle price. It is not an out-the-door price, and a customized five-seat SUV or work-oriented version could cost substantially more once equipment and installation are selected.

How the preorder works

  1. Place the current preorder. Slate says the current process requires a $300 non-refundable deposit. That deposit is credited toward the final purchase price.
  2. Wait for the delivery window. Slate currently says delivery windows begin in late 2026, but that is a stated plan rather than a guaranteed month for every preorder holder.
  3. Finalize the vehicle. Closer to delivery, customers are expected to finalize accessories, payment or financing choices and the purchase agreement.
  4. Pay the remaining balance and complete delivery requirements. Taxes, registration, fees, destination and selected options still need to be accounted for.

Slate also distinguishes the current preorder from its earlier reservation program. The former $50 refundable reservation window closed on June 24, 2026, according to Slate’s purchase information. Customers with an active reservation are listed as eligible for a $250 preorder deposit rather than the standard $300 amount. Buyers should verify the applicable amount and terms directly before submitting payment.

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Slate truck range, motor and dimensions

The Slate is a compact electric pickup rather than a full-size truck. Its published figures are useful for planning, but several remain projections until the production vehicle receives final certification and documentation.

Specification Slate’s current published figure How to interpret it
Powertrain Single rear-mounted electric motor Rear-wheel drive
Motor output 135 kW Company-published specification
Range 205 miles Projected; not an official EPA estimate
Payload Approximately 1,550 pounds Projected or approximate
Towing capacity Approximately 2,000 pounds Projected or approximate
Length 174.6 inches Compact-pickup dimensions
Width 70.6 inches Excluding any changes from final equipment
Height 68 inches Published dimension
Wheelbase 108.9 inches Published dimension
Bed length 5 feet Base pickup bed
Bed volume 35.1 cubic feet Published cargo volume
Frunk volume 7 cubic feet Published front-storage volume

What does the 205-mile range mean in practice?

Slate lists a projected range of 205 miles. That is an improvement over the company’s earlier 150-mile estimate, which Slate says resulted from revising the standard battery while keeping the vehicle below $25,000 before destination and other charges.

Until the EPA publishes a final rating, the 205-mile number should be treated as a planning estimate, not a certified result. Real-world range will also vary with temperature, speed, terrain, payload, tire choice, traffic and accessory use. Towing or carrying heavy cargo will generally make the truck less efficient, so a buyer who regularly uses the full payload or towing capacity should expect fewer miles between charges than the headline projection suggests.

That makes the Slate better suited to commuting, errands, local deliveries and regional driving than to frequent long-distance travel. A driver whose routine regularly approaches the full projected range will need a larger buffer, particularly in cold weather or on high-speed highways.

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Charging hardware and speed

The Slate uses a NACS charging connector and is intended to support DC fast charging. Independent coverage reports a projected peak charging rate of 120 kW and an approximately 30-minute 20-to-80-percent DC-fast-charge session. Those figures should be considered reported or projected specifications, not independently validated production results. See the reported specifications from Edmunds’ Slate truck coverage.

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The NACS connector is relevant to charging access, but it does not by itself establish the Slate’s final home-charging power, installation requirements or compatibility with every charging product. Buyers should wait for Slate’s final charging specifications before purchasing a specific charger, adapter or electrical installation based solely on the connector type.

What comes standard—and what the Slate leaves out

A phone-centered infotainment system

The Slate intentionally does not use a conventional built-in infotainment system as its primary technology platform. Instead, owners are expected to use a phone or tablet for navigation, apps and media, with mounting and charging support built into the vehicle concept.

There is no factory Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment platform. That does not mean a phone cannot provide navigation or music; it means the experience depends on the owner’s device, cellular service, mounting position, charging arrangement and audio hardware.

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For most daily drivers, the first practical purchases will be a vehicle phone mount and a portable Bluetooth speaker or Slate accessory-audio system. These are third-party or accessory solutions rather than evidence that the Slate includes a conventional sound system. A generic mount should not be assumed to fit: verify its attachment method, vibration resistance, heat tolerance and charging setup against the final Slate interior. A portable speaker also needs to be evaluated for secure placement, weather resistance and charging before being used in an open-air or truck-bed environment.

Slate also describes a holder for a portable Bluetooth speaker and an optional bracket for a larger tablet. Buyers who prefer a larger navigation display can compare the official bracket with a portable tablet holder, but a generic holder should be considered only after production dimensions, mounting points and vibration performance are confirmed.

Safety equipment

Slate currently lists the following safety and driver-assistance equipment:

  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability control
  • Forward-collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Driver and passenger airbags
  • Side-curtain airbags
  • Seat-side airbags
  • >Remote keyless entry
  • Backup camera
  • Pedestrian identification
  • Automatic high beams

Slate says the vehicle is designed to achieve a five-star U.S. New Car Assessment Program, or USNCAP, crash rating. That is a design objective—not proof that the production vehicle has already earned five stars. Buyers should wait for final NHTSA testing and published results before treating the rating as confirmed.

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The same caution applies to production quality, crash performance and driver-assistance behavior. Preproduction demonstrations or prototype drives should not be treated as independent testing of the finished truck.

Slate configurations and customization options

Every Slate begins as a two-seat pickup, but the company says customers can order it as an SUV or convert it later. Slate currently identifies four principal configurations, plus a work-focused cargo option.

Configuration Seating or cargo layout Best fit
Standard pickup Two seats and an open five-foot bed Commuters, couples, hobbyists and owners who want basic truck utility
Squareback SUV Five seats with a conventional SUV profile Families and buyers who regularly carry rear passengers
Fastback SUV Five seats with a sportier rear profile Style-focused owners who still need rear seating
Open Air Kit Five seats with the rear hardtop and windows removed Recreation and open-air driving
Cargo Kit Covered, van-like cargo storage Fleets, tradespeople and small businesses

The SUV and open-air paths are not simply upgrades that make the truck better in every situation. Adding seats improves passenger capacity but changes the way the vehicle handles cargo. The Fastback prioritizes appearance over the most boxy and practical rear shape. The Open Air Kit trades conventional weather protection for a more recreational experience. The Cargo Kit adds protection for tools, equipment and deliveries but may be less useful to someone who needs passenger seating.

Slate says its design marketplace includes nearly four dozen accessories and a broad range of color choices, with more planned. Accessories can be selected during final purchase or added after delivery, allowing owners to spread customization expenses over time. However, the exact items, prices, compatibility and orderability may change, so buyers should check the live Slate accessories marketplace before budgeting around a particular configuration.

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The best Slate customizations by use case

Best for commuting: phone mounting and basic audio

The most sensible commuter setup is the simplest one: a secure phone-mounting arrangement, reliable charging and either a portable Bluetooth speaker or Slate’s accessory-audio option. This provides navigation, music and hands-free access without adding a large factory screen.

The trade-off is that the owner becomes responsible for the device and its software. A dead phone, weak cellular signal, overheated device or poorly positioned mount can affect the experience more than it would in a truck with integrated navigation. Before delivery, buyers should decide whether they are comfortable making a personal phone the center of the vehicle’s daily interface.

Best for families: Squareback SUV conversion

The Squareback is the strongest choice for a buyer who expects regular rear-seat passengers. It seats five and uses a more conventional SUV shape, making it more practical than the base pickup for school runs, family errands and shared transportation.

Families should budget for the conversion rather than assuming that the two-seat pickup can cover occasional passenger needs without additional equipment. They should also confirm the final rear-seat, child-seat and safety specifications when Slate publishes production documentation.

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Best for style: Fastback SUV

The Fastback is the appearance-oriented choice. It retains five-seat SUV capability while giving the vehicle a sportier profile. It is a reasonable pick for an owner who values design and personal expression more than maximum box-shaped cargo utility.

There is no universal practical advantage to the Fastback. Buyers who frequently carry tall, bulky or awkward items should compare its final cargo opening and usable volume with the Squareback before choosing it.

Best for recreation: Open Air Kit

The Open Air Kit is aimed at buyers who want an outdoor-oriented vehicle. It seats five while removing the rear hardtop and windows, creating a more open driving experience.

The obvious compromise is weather protection. Open-air equipment can also affect noise, security and the way passengers or cargo are protected from the elements. It is best viewed as a lifestyle configuration, not the default recommendation for year-round family or work use.

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Best for work and small business: Cargo Kit

The Cargo Kit is the clearest work-focused customization. Slate positions it as covered, van-like cargo storage for fleets and small businesses. It should appeal to owners who need to protect tools, equipment or deliveries from weather more than they need two additional passenger seats.

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Before ordering, compare the kit’s final price and installation requirements with the value of protecting cargo. A covered cargo area may also make loading and organization easier, but it does not automatically turn the Slate into a heavy-duty commercial truck. The projected 1,550-pound payload and 2,000-pound towing capacity remain important limits.

Best low-cost visual change: a wrap

Slate is designed to be wrapped rather than conventionally painted. The company describes do-it-yourself pre-cut wrap kits, pre-installed wraps and professional installation. Slate says wrap kits start at approximately $500 and that professional installation is targeted at less than $500, although final prices and availability may vary.

A wrap can be more reversible and potentially less expensive than repainting the vehicle. Slate says the body was designed to make wrapping easier without removing trim pieces, and that DIY kits include pre-cut material, tools and video instructions.

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Those features do not guarantee a particular color, durability period or installation result. Finish quality will depend on the material selected, surface preparation, climate, storage and installer skill. Buyers interested in a Slate wrap kit or vehicle wrap installation should confirm the final material, coverage, warranty, labor price and whether the selected design is currently available.

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Should you preorder the Slate?

The answer depends less on the starting price than on your tolerance for the vehicle’s compromises and preproduction uncertainty.

The Slate is a strong fit if you:

  • Want a relatively inexpensive entry point into an electric pickup.
  • Mostly drive locally or regionally.
  • Can charge conveniently at home or near your regular destinations once final charging details are confirmed.
  • Are comfortable using a phone or tablet instead of built-in infotainment.
  • Need a compact vehicle rather than a full-size towing or hauling platform.
  • Like the idea of adding capability over time.
  • Are willing to accept the uncertainty of a first-generation vehicle from a new manufacturer.

You should wait or look elsewhere if you:

  • Frequently take long highway trips and need a large range buffer.
  • Regularly tow heavy trailers or carry substantial loads.
  • Expect a quiet, highly equipped cabin with powered conveniences and integrated software.
  • Need a proven service network, established resale value or a long reliability record.
  • Require a confirmed crash-test rating or finalized EPA range before buying.
  • Need five seats immediately and do not want to pay for or wait for a conversion.

The low base price is compelling, but the vehicle’s value depends on the owner’s preferences. Someone who would immediately add an SUV conversion, audio equipment, a tablet setup and several exterior accessories may not experience the same value as a buyer who is happy with the basic pickup.

Important preproduction cautions

Slate has not yet provided the kind of long-term ownership data available for established automakers. There is no mature independent record for reliability, resale value, service experience, production consistency or real-world charging performance.

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Slate says the truck is designed for DIY maintenance and personalization and plans a Slate U resource hub. That could be useful for owners, but it is not the same as a proven nationwide service network. Buyers should investigate where warranty work, collision repairs, high-voltage repairs and parts support will be handled in their area before placing a preorder.

Availability is another consideration. Slate’s stated late-2026 delivery target does not guarantee a delivery date for every reservation or preorder holder. Production timing, configuration selection and final certification can affect when a particular vehicle is delivered.

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Independent coverage has characterized the Slate as a radically stripped-down, first-generation EV whose appeal depends on trading convenience features for a lower entry price and customization. That framing is useful because the Slate should not be judged as though it were intended to match a much more expensive electric pickup feature for feature. Additional context is available in Tom’s Guide’s coverage of the Slate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Slate really a $24,950 electric truck?

$24,950 is Slate’s advertised starting vehicle price for the Blank Slate. The company lists a separate $1,450 destination charge, and taxes, title, registration, documentation fees, optional equipment and accessories are not included. The vehicle-plus-destination subtotal is therefore $26,400 before those additional costs.

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Is the Slate’s 205-mile range EPA-rated?

No. Slate currently describes 205 miles as a projected range. It should not be presented as an official EPA-estimated figure until final certification is published.

Does the Slate have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

Slate does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as a factory infotainment platform. The vehicle is designed around using a customer’s phone or tablet for navigation, apps and media, with portable or accessory audio equipment.

Can the Slate seat five people?

The base vehicle starts as a two-seat pickup. Slate says it can be ordered or later converted into a five-seat Squareback SUV, five-seat Fastback SUV or five-seat Open Air configuration.

When will Slate deliveries begin?

Slate currently says delivery windows begin in late 2026. That is the company’s stated plan, not a guaranteed delivery month for every preorder holder.

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Has the Slate earned a five-star crash rating?

Not according to the available information. Slate says the vehicle is designed to achieve a five-star USNCAP rating, which is a target rather than a completed government crash-test result.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: Slate’s new pickup is most interesting as a low-cost, modular electric vehicle—not as a conventional fully equipped truck. Its $24,950 starting price, compact dimensions and planned SUV, cargo and open-air conversions give it a distinctive value proposition. The best buyers are likely to be local or regional drivers who appreciate simple hardware and gradual customization. Anyone who needs long-distance range, serious towing, premium features or proven manufacturer support should wait for EPA data, final safety results, production specifications and early owner reports before committing.

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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