Slate Auto, an upstart electric vehicle manufacturer, is making waves with a $700 million fundraising haul backed by Jeff Bezos’s investment firm, Bezos Expeditions. The funding, confirmed by Newsweek, spans Series A and B rounds, with the final close in late 2024, setting the stage for Slate to challenge the EV market with its no-frills, American-made approach.

Heavyweight Investors Fuel Slate’s Vision

The $700 million round draws support from Bezos Expeditions, General Catalyst, and TWG Global, though the exact breakdown of contributions remains undisclosed. Bezos Expeditions, which manages the Amazon founder’s personal portfolio, signals strong confidence in Slate’s mission.

General Catalyst, known for backing tech innovators like Canva and Kayak, brings venture capital expertise, while TWG Global adds automotive credibility through investments like its stake in Cadillac‘s Formula 1 team.

Slate’s CEO, Chris Barman, a former Chrysler executive, expressed optimism about the funding. “This investment validates our vision to make EVs accessible without the complexity,” Barman told Newsweek. “We’re building vehicles for people who value function over flash.”

A Minimalist EV for the Everyman

Slate Auto unveiled its first vehicle—a battery-electric pickup truck—on April 26, 2025, in Long Beach, California, drawing a crowd eager to see its unconventional design. The truck is a study in simplicity: a two-seat, single-cab, single-bed configuration with crank windows, steel wheels, physical climate knobs, and no infotainment screen. It’s a stark contrast to the tech-heavy EVs dominating the market, like Tesla‘s Cybertruck or Rivian‘s R1T.

What sets Slate apart is its versatility. The truck can transform into a five-seat SUV with a modular accessory package, allowing owners to adapt the vehicle to their needs. Customization is also a cornerstone: Slate offers three levels of factory wraps—ranging from DIY kits to professional installations—letting buyers personalize their vehicles without breaking the bank.

Made in America, Built for Affordability

Slate is doubling down on domestic production. The company will assemble its vehicles in a repurposed facility in Warsaw, Indiana, using American-made batteries to power its EVs. This “Made in the USA” ethos not only taps into growing consumer demand for domestic goods but also positions Slate to benefit from federal incentives for U.S.-manufactured EVs.

While pricing details are still under wraps, Slate aims to undercut competitors by focusing on cost efficiency. Industry analysts estimate the truck could start around $35,000, a price point that could appeal to budget-conscious buyers in a market where EVs often exceed $50,000.

Empowering Owners with SlateU

To support its hands-on approach, Slate will launch SlateU, a series of tutorial videos on its website. These guides will walk owners through everything from installing accessories to applying wraps, fostering a DIY culture that mirrors the truck’s utilitarian spirit. “We want our customers to feel like co-creators,” said Head of Design Tisha Johnson, emphasizing the company’s community-driven ethos.

A Team with Deep Industry Roots

Slate’s leadership brings decades of experience to the table. CEO Chris Barman is joined by Chairman Rod Copes, a 20-year Harley-Davidson veteran who also worked at Rivian; COO Jeremy Snyder, with past roles at Tesla and Harley-Davidson; and Head of Design Tisha Johnson, whose focus on functional aesthetics shapes Slate’s vision.

EVXL’s Take: Can Slate Disrupt the EV Market?

Slate Auto is betting on a segment others have overlooked: cost-conscious buyers who want an EV without the bells and whistles. Its stripped-down design and American-first manufacturing could resonate in a market increasingly sensitive to price and origin. But challenges loom—scaling production, ensuring battery supply, and competing with giants like Tesla and Ford won’t be easy. With Jeff Bezos and a seasoned team in its corner, Slate has the resources to carve out a niche, but its success will hinge on delivering on its promise of affordability and reliability. In an industry obsessed with complexity, Slate’s back-to-basics approach might just be the disruption we need.

Photos courtesy of Slate Auto