by Launch of an Affordable Electric Pickup
Slate Auto plans to release a two-door electric pickup truck priced at $28,000 by the end of next year. This move comes against the backdrop of the brand’s difficult start earlier this year. The loss of tax incentives has significantly reduced the model’s financial appeal, which is a serious challenge for a vehicle focused on affordability.
Service Network and Support
To ensure ownership convenience, Slate Auto is partnering with a network of approximately 4,000 independent service centers certified by RepairPal. These centers will handle warranty work, accessory installation, and battery system repairs. Each of these centers will undergo special training to work with Slate products.
Like many other electric vehicle manufacturers, Slate implements direct sales to customers, eliminating the need for dealer networks. However, this requires alternative solutions for maintenance. The agreement with RepairPal allows the company to offer broad geographical coverage for its vehicle owners.
We want owners to feel confident even before visiting the service center, — stated CEO Chris Barman.
Educational Initiatives and Charging
The company is also launching Slate University — an online platform for educational materials, repair videos, and technician upskilling. This resource will be constantly updated, including guides and certification courses.
In the charging sector, Slate uses the North American Charging Standard (NACS), providing access to the Tesla Supercharger network with over 25,000 fast charging stations across the country. This allows owners to travel long distances, despite the pickup’s modest range — up to 240 miles.
Production and Future Prospects
Vehicle production will begin in Warsaw, Indiana, and the company has already received over 100,000 pre-orders. The planned launch of the pickup and the well-thought-out service infrastructure demonstrate that Slate Auto is focused not only on sales but also on the long-term user experience.
Despite the challenges associated with the loss of tax incentives, the company is taking steps to ensure competitiveness. Utilizing proven charging and service networks, as well as investing in the education of owners and technicians, could become key success factors in the increasingly demanding electric vehicle market.
