Slate Auto’s $25,000 Electric Truck Targets EV Affordability Crisis

In a bold move to tackle the soaring costs of electric vehicles, Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup backed by Jeff Bezos, is set to launch the Slate Truck—a $25,000 electric pickup aimed at making EVs accessible to everyday Americans. CEO Chris Barman, a former Chrysler and FCA executive, shared her vision with Business Insider, emphasizing simplicity and affordability in a market where the average EV price hovers around $59,000.

A Game-Changer for Budget-Conscious Drivers

The Slate Truck, expected to hit the market by late 2026, promises to be the cheapest electric pickup in the U.S., undercutting competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, which often exceed $100,000. With a starting range of 150 miles, this no-frills EV strips away costly features like touch-sensitive locks, opting for a metal blade key to keep expenses down. Barman’s philosophy is clear: “There’s a massive population of people out there when it comes to safe, reliable, affordable transportation; there just really aren’t many alternatives for them.” For EV owners and enthusiasts tired of high price tags, this truck could be a breath of fresh air.

Designed for Freedom and Customization

Slate’s approach centers on choice, offering a “blank slate” base model that owners can personalize over time. Need a family vehicle down the road? A kit can transform the truck into a five-passenger SUV. Want power windows or a roll cage? Slate plans to provide DIY upgrades through instructional videos dubbed “Slate University.” This modular design not only saves money upfront but also lets owners evolve their vehicle as needs change—whether that’s adding off-road tires or swapping in a new battery pack. Barman, who grew up on a farm driving a 1984 Ford Ranger, draws from her roots: “It was basic transportation, but I loved the freedom it gave me to go places and do things.”

Tackling the DIY Trend in the EV Space

As EVs grow more complex, Slate is leaning into a rare trend: empowering owners to work on their vehicles. The company’s direct sales model cuts out dealerships, reducing overhead and passing savings to buyers. Owners can upgrade almost every part—except the battery pack—throughout the vehicle’s life, with local facilities available for professional installs if needed. This DIY ethos could resonate with EV enthusiasts who crave hands-on involvement, especially in a market where repairs often require specialized service centers.

Industry Shifts and Economic Impacts

Slate’s $25,000 price point, potentially dropping below $20,000 with tax credits, challenges the status quo in an industry where affordability remains a barrier. Tesla’s Elon Musk has teased a $25,000 model, but with no firm timeline, Slate could steal the spotlight. The truck will be built in a yet-to-be-named Midwestern U.S. facility, with Slate aiming to revitalize a shuttered plant. “We would like to see what we can do to go into an existing facility that has been shuttered and reindustrialize and revitalize that community,” Barman said. This move could bring jobs to struggling regions, aligning economic growth with sustainable innovation.

EVXL’s Take

At EVXL, we’re thrilled by Slate’s back-to-basics approach—it’s like the EV world’s answer to a trusty Swiss Army knife. By focusing on affordability and customization, Slate isn’t just selling a truck; it’s offering a lifeline to Americans priced out of the EV market. Picture a young couple buying the base model, then years later, turning it into a family SUV without breaking the bank. That’s the kind of practical magic we need more of in the EV space. If Slate delivers on its promise, this truck could spark a wave of accessible electric options, proving you don’t need a six-figure budget to drive green.