Slate, the all-electric truck startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has unveiled its production-intent vehicle with a starting price of $24,950 and a 205-mile range — a 37% improvement over the initially stated 150 miles, according to WIRED. The company claims 180,000 reservations and expects first deliveries by the end of the year. The base "Blank Slate" model is a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive pickup with a 65-kWh LFP battery, a 2,000-pound tow rating, and a 1,550-pound payload.
Price and Market Positioning
In a US market where average new car prices exceed $50,000, Slate undercuts every other electric truck by a wide margin. WIRED notes that the entry-level Ford F-150 Lightning Pro launched near $40,000 in 2021, and Ford discontinued the Lightning by December 2025. Slate's $24,950 base price is achieved through deliberate simplicity: no touchscreen, manual window winders, a single gray color molded into composite body panels, and a parts count that the company says is "less than half that of a typical pickup."
Range Bump and Specifications
The range increase from 150 to 205 miles is based on Slate's own approximation of the EPA test cycle, not an official rating. The vehicle is still in preproduction, and specifications may change. Key specs include:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting price | $24,950 |
| Range (base) | 205 miles (37% bump) |
| Battery size | 65 kWh (LFP) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive, single motor |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lb |
| Payload | 1,550 lb |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 90 mph |
| DC fast charging | 120 kW (20–80% in 30 min) |
| Home charging (120V) | Up to 17 hours |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 175 × 71 × 69 in |
At 175 inches long, the Slate is smaller than a Ford Maverick but offers a 60-inch bed versus the Maverick's 54 inches, according to WIRED. The SUV variants — Squareback and Fastback — start at $29,950 and add a second row.
Cost-Cutting and Manufacturing Approach
Slate's strategy focuses on eliminating complexity. The company, founded in 2022, opted for a single-color composite body, manual windows, and a smartphone-clip instead of a touchscreen. Over 200 accessories will be available at launch, many priced under $500, including roof racks, stereos, and color wraps. The LFP battery and powertrain carry a 10-year/110,000-mile warranty. For repairs, Slate offers a DIY guide called Slate U and has partnered with more than 3,000 RepairPal shops across the US. The reduced parts count, according to the company, means "less to go wrong."
Production Timeline and Reservations
Slate claims 180,000 people have placed reservations. Preorders require $300 (or $250 for existing holders who previously put down $50). WIRED reports that if even half of those reservations convert to sales, the Slate would outsell the Tesla Cybertruck in volume. First deliveries are expected at the end of the year. The company has not disclosed a production location, but the vehicle remains in preproduction, and final specs could change.
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