A new contender has emerged in the American electric vehicle (EV) arena, and it's creating quite a stir with its remarkably affordable price point. Slate, a budding startup, has unveiled its innovative Slate Truck, priced at an accessible $25,000. This minimalist electric vehicle is designed with customization and practicality in mind, steering clear of extravagant features. Instead, it boasts hand-cranked windows, a straightforward dashboard, and a highly adaptable platform that can be transformed into an SUV using a DIY accessory kit.

Based in Michigan, Slate has been operating quietly behind the scenes for several years, garnering financial backing from notable investors, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Bezos and his company were also key players in the rise of Rivian, having provided an early investment of $700 million to the electric truck manufacturer. Unlike many of its competitors who launch with high-end models before offering more budget-friendly options, Slate's strategy of introducing a low-cost vehicle right out of the gate is quite revolutionary. In light of the current economic challenges, including inflation, tariffs, and rising material costs, this approach appears to be particularly well-timed.

In terms of size, the Slate Truck is relatively compact. Measuring only 174.6 inches in length and featuring a 108.9-inch wheelbase, it is significantly shorter than other small pickups on the market, such as the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick, which measure 21 and 25 inches longer, respectively. Notably, Slate's offering is a single-cab, two-seater vehicle in its standard configuration while still providing a standard 4-foot bed comparable to those found on larger models. Additionally, it includes a 7-cubic-foot 'frunk' or front trunk, which adds to its practicality. With a payload capacity of up to 1,433 pounds, it stands well among its compact counterparts, although its towing capacity of 1,000 pounds lags behind traditional gasoline-powered pickups.

The minimalistic design is a crucial element of Slate's strategy to keep the Truck's price low, with expectations of bringing the cost below $20,000 after federal incentives. The vehicle presents itself in a single color optionflat grayencouraging customers to personalize it by wrapping the Truck in their favorite colors or designs. The basic 17-inch steel wheels and body panels that showcase exposed hardware further emphasize its straightforward aesthetic.

Inside the Slate Truck, functionality takes precedence over modern luxuries. Instead of the large touchscreens common in current vehicles, it features a simple digital instrument cluster and a universal phone mount with USB power, reflecting the growing trend of using smartphones for navigation and media. For those who prefer a larger display for navigation, an option to install a dedicated tablet is available. While it maintains a low-tech focus, the Truck will still include important safety features such as active emergency braking and forward collision warning. Even with its stripped-down approach, Slate is committed to providing customization, offering over 100 accessories and options for owners at the time of purchase or post-sale.

One of the most intriguing features is the DIY SUV kit, which allows owners to convert the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV. This kit, which resembles furniture from Ikea, can be installed at a Slate service center or at home, adding essential elements like a rear occupant roll cage and airbags. The flexibility to switch between configurations for varying needslike using the Truck for weekend projects and transitioning to an SUV for family outingsadds a layer of practicality that sets Slate apart in the market.

In terms of performance, the Slate Truck is equipped with a modest electric powertrain. It features a 150-kilowatt (201 horsepower) motor that provides rear-wheel drive and delivers 195 pound-feet of torque. While its top speed is capped at 90 mph and its 0-to-60 mph acceleration takes about eight seconds, these specifications are deemed adequate for most users seeking a reliable vehicle for daily commuting and errands.

The Truck relies on a standard 52.7-kilowatt-hour battery, offering a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge. For those looking for more range, an optional 84.3-kWh accessory battery is available, targeting 240 miles per charge. The flexible nature of the larger battery suggests that it may be swappable or upgradeable post-purchase, which could be an appealing option for tech-savvy consumers.

When it comes to charging, users can utilize the Slate Truck's NACS charging port, taking about five hours to fully charge with an 11kW Level 2 home charger. At Tesla Superchargers or other DC fast charging stations (with an adapter), the Truck can recharge from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes, gaining approximately 90 to 140 miles of range in that half-hour. While this charging speed may not be the fastest available, it aligns well with the typical usage expectations for a vehicle like the Slate Truck.

Slate plans to manufacture the Truck in the United States, likely at a reindustrialized facility near Indianapolis, Indiana. Although the exact pricing details are still being finalized, the company anticipates that the starting price will be around $25,000, with federal tax incentives potentially lowering it to below $20,000. If achieved, this would position the Slate Truck as the most affordable new electric vehicle on the market. Interested consumers can begin the direct-to-consumer purchasing process online today at slate.auto, with a refundable deposit of $50.