In an age where every new vehicle seems to come stuffed with screens, sensors, and soaring price tags, a small startup called Slate EV Truck is pushing back with a refreshingly simple idea: what if an electric truck could be… well, just a truck? Affordable, compact, and endlessly customizable, the upcoming Slate EV Truck isn’t trying to out-tech Tesla or out-haul the Cybertruck—it’s here to give drivers exactly what they need, and none of what they don’t.
Compact Form, Big Promise
At just 174.6 inches long, the Slate Truck is smaller than a Ford Maverick and nearly a foot and a half shorter than a Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s a genuine single-cab layout with two seats, a five-foot bed, and a size that harks back to the compact pickups of the ’80s and ’90s. The exterior is clad in unpainted gray composite panels—on purpose—to save production costs and allow easy vinyl wrapping for personal flair.
Built on American soil in a “reindustrialized” Midwest factory, the Slate Truck is unapologetically utilitarian. No paint shop, no touchscreen, no fluff—just steel wheels, crank windows, physical HVAC knobs, and a phone mount. The goal? Keep costs down and reliability up, while still letting owners build the vehicle they actually want.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood (well, under the bed), the Slate Truck features a single permanent-magnet rear-mounted motor pushing out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a speed demon, but it’s more than enough for daily driving, offering a projected 0-60 time of 8 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph.
Two battery configurations will be available: a 52.7-kWh standard pack good for around 150 miles of range, and an optional 84.3-kWh unit offering up to 240 miles. DC fast charging (120 kW) can bring the truck from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes. AC charging via Level 2 at 11 kW can top it off in under five hours.
The Magic is in the Modularity
What truly sets the Slate apart is its modular design. It’s not just a pickup—it can be a five-seat SUV, too. Using a flat-pack SUV accessory kit, owners can convert their truck into an SUV with a rear bench seat, roll cage, added airbags, and full interior cladding. The transformation takes under two hours and doesn’t require special tools or expertise.
Over 100 accessories will be available at launch, ranging from power windows and audio systems to lift kits and colorful wraps. The Slate is truly a “blank slate”—designed to grow and adapt with the driver, not the other way around.
Safety Without Complexity
Though stripped down inside, the Slate doesn’t skimp on safety. It’s been engineered to meet top crash-test standards, with up to eight airbags, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. It’s designed for five-star ratings while keeping its structure simple and repairable.
Visit the official website of Slate for more information on Safety features.
For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Price and Delivery
And now, the headline: $27,500 before incentives, and under $20,000 for eligible buyers who apply the full $7,500 federal tax credit. Add in some state incentives, and the Slate could cost as little as $16,500 out of pocket—making it potentially the cheapest new EV or new truck in America.
Preorders are open now with a deposit of $50 which are refundable, and first deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Slate Truck doesn’t try to be everything. Instead, it focuses on being one thing, done well: a small, capable, electric workhorse with capability to mold & room to grow. It is no news that todays market is saturated with overengineered tech and bloated specs, so we feel that this minimalist, modular EV might just be exactly what a lot of drivers didn’t know they needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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