One year later: the Slate electric pickup is still shrouded in silence
Last week marked one year since Slate introduced its affordable electric pickup. During this time, the manufacturer has shared almost no news, despite having over 160,000 pre-orders. The starting price is in the range of $20,000 to $30,000, with first deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
How it all began
Slate Auto made a big splash a year ago, on April 24, 2025, by unveiling an inexpensive electric pickup. Thanks to a starting price of less than $20,000 after federal incentives, the model generated enormous interest.
What is happening now
A year has passed, and the company has reported almost nothing. Yes, they post flashy videos on social media, but there is a lack of substantive information about a vehicle that is supposed to go into production in the coming months.
The last update came on April 16, when Slate announced it had secured $650 million in funding and over 160,000 reservations. That’s a lot, but the vehicle can be reserved for $50, and this amount is fully refundable. Moreover, as the experience with the Tesla Cybertruck showed, a huge number of reservations do not always translate into actual orders — especially when the price increases significantly.
Technical specifications
Despite the lack of meaningful updates, the company previously stated that the pickup will feature a 52.7 kWh battery powering a rear electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW) and 264 Nm of torque. This will allow the model to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in eight seconds, with a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
Swipe to see us without the roof.
Posted by Slate Auto on Friday, April 3, 2026
The stated range is 150 miles (241 km), but the company has mentioned an optional 84.3 kWh battery that increases the distance to 240 miles (386 km). Fast charging at 120 kW allows the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Trim features
While we know a number of technical specifications, details remain vague. However, Slate has reported that the model will have 17-inch steel wheels, manual window regulators, and a universal smartphone holder that will serve as the infotainment system.
The company has also announced several driver assistance systems, including active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to 8 airbags. More interestingly, the pickup will be offered with a flat accessories kit that transforms the vehicle into an SUV with a roll cage and a rear seat. Over 100 accessories and various body wrap options are also promised.
Price and future
The silence is becoming increasingly alarming, but Slate has promised to reveal more details in June. That is when the final price will be announced, and customers will be able to begin pre-ordering the pickup.
Since the federal tax credit has been eliminated, Slate now states that the model will cost approximately $20,000 to $30,000. This is significantly more than the initial estimate of less than $20,000 and roughly equals the price of the Ford Maverick at $28,145. What is more concerning is that Ford is also working on a $30,000 electric pickup, although they are not rushing to share details either.
A year after its high-profile debut, Slate finds itself in a difficult position: a huge number of reservations are not backed by tangible steps toward series production, and the price has increased. Facing stiff competition from traditional automakers who are also entering the budget EV segment, the company will have to prove that its promises are not just marketing noise. The June announcement will be a key test of trust: if Slate cannot provide clear data on production and pricing, interest in the project could quickly fade.