by Affordable electric vehicle from Bezos-backed startup
For several months, Slate has been promising an affordable new pickup. Now the startup, backed by Jeff Bezos, has finally released real numbers to back up those promises. Today, the company announced that its fully electric pickup will start at $24,950 before taxes, fees, delivery costs, or optional equipment, and also revealed better-than-expected range figures. Orders are open, and we will all find out how much demand there is in America for a basic electric vehicle.
Pre-order terms
According to Slate, customers can place a pre-order by making a non-refundable $300 deposit to reserve a delivery window. The startup claims that buyers do not need to immediately choose accessories or trim levels. A key part of the strategy is to first sell the base vehicle and later offer additional options.
Unexpected range
The biggest surprise may be the range. Initially, Slate projected lower figures, but now claims that the standard battery will provide 205 miles (330 km). This is not a record, but it exceeds many expectations for a vehicle at such a low price. Otherwise, the concept has remained unchanged since the initial unveiling.
Simplicity as a philosophy
The pickup itself remains deliberately simple. It is a two-seat electric pickup with a projected towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). Power windows, a standard infotainment system, and much of the equipment that buyers already consider standard, including a key fob, are absent across all three body types in the official configurator: the Blank State pickup, the Squareback SUV, and the Fastback SUV.
Instead, Slate is betting that customers would rather buy the base pickup and add features over time than finance a vehicle equipped with features they will never use.
SUV prices and market challenges
This philosophy extends beyond just the pickup. Slate also confirmed that both SUV versions, the Squareback and Fastback, will start at $29,950 and $31,950 respectively. Timing is key, as when Slate first announced its plans, the federal EV tax credit could have been up to $7,500. After its repeal, price became the main concern. Now, with the announced prices, the real test begins.
Reports suggest the company has around 180,000 pre-orders, but converting owners of inexpensive reservations into actual buyers is a different challenge entirely. If Slate succeeds, it could prove that affordability matters more than power, screen size, or even range. If not, it will serve as another reminder that making a cheap car is often harder than making an expensive one.
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Credit: Slate Auto
Slate’s approach challenges established notions of what a modern car should be. Abandoning familiar options in favor of a base price could be revolutionary, but it is also a risk: is the mass consumer ready for compromises in the name of savings? The startup’s success will depend not only on the number of pre-orders but also on its ability to meet the expectations of those accustomed to a certain level of comfort. If Slate manages to scale mass production and maintain its promised price, it could significantly shift the balance in the EV market, making them accessible to a much wider range of buyers.
