Everything You Want To Know About That Slate EV Pickup

Summary

Slate, a company based in Troy, Michigan, is developing an affordable $27,000 electric pickup truck with a focus on cost-cutting and simplicity. The truck, available in two versions—a two-door pickup and a two-door SUV—uses off-the-shelf parts, molded body panels, and offers customization through wraps and accessories. Slate's goal is to make electric vehicles accessible for working-class people by keeping production low-cost and offering DIY repair options. The company is aiming for mass production by late 2026, with the truck designed for ease of manufacturing and distribution, disrupting traditional automotive industry practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Slate is developing an affordable $27,000 electric pickup truck, with 400 employees, including 150 engineers, working on the project in Troy, Michigan.
• 😀 There are two models: a two-door, two-passenger pickup and a two-door, five-passenger SUV (with a bed cap added).
• 😀 The truck uses a combination of body-on-frame, unibody, and skateboard construction, with polypropylene body panels to reduce manufacturing costs.
• 😀 Customers can personalize their trucks with wraps instead of paint, and there are multiple customization options for accessories and even the key fob.
• 😀 The truck is available with two battery options: 52.7 kWh (150 miles range) and 84.3 kWh (240 miles range).
• 😀 Powered by a 150 kW motor, the truck has 201 horsepower, 260 Nm of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds.
• 😀 The truck offers a payload capacity of 1,400 lbs (635 kg) and can tow up to 1,000 lbs (453 kg).
• 😀 Slate aims to target hourly wage earners with a no-frills truck offering modern safety features, DIY repair training, and customization options.
• 😀 The company is led by experienced automotive executives, including Chris Barman (CEO), Eric Kyper (Head of Engineering), and Tisha Johnson (Head of Design).
• 😀 Slate’s production strategy focuses on cost-efficiency, using a DFM (Design for Manufacturing) approach, and will start production in Q4 of 2026 at a plant in Warsaw, Indiana.

Q & A

What is Slate, and what are they developing?

Slate is an electric vehicle company based in Troy, Michigan, and they are developing a $27,000 electric pickup truck, with two models: a two-door, two-passenger pickup, and an SUV version with a cap on the bed.

How does Slate keep its costs low in manufacturing?

Slate keeps costs low by using off-the-shelf parts, molded polypropylene body panels, and eliminating the need for a body shop or paint shop. They also design the truck for manufacturing and assembly efficiency, reducing the number of parts required.

What are the two available battery packs for Slate's truck?

The truck offers two battery options: a 52.7 kWh pack providing 150 miles of range, and an 84.3 kWh pack providing 240 miles of range.

What are the performance specifications of the Slate truck?

The Slate truck is powered by a 150 kW motor, equivalent to 201 horsepower, and delivers 215 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds and has a top speed of 92 mph. It carries a 1,400 lb payload and can tow up to 1,000 lbs.

What is the target market for Slate’s electric truck?

Slate targets hourly wage earners, focusing on providing affordable electric trucks with modern safety features and warranties. Their marketing strategy emphasizes working-class individuals rather than tech enthusiasts or early adopters.

How does Slate plan to keep the truck affordable for consumers?

Slate plans to keep the truck affordable by offering a basic model and providing a range of customizable accessories, including wraps, stickers, and 3D printable parts. They also aim to educate customers on DIY repairs through Slate University.

How is Slate’s truck different in terms of interior design?

The interior of Slate’s truck features a minimalist design with a small instrument cluster, no center screen, and rotary knobs for HVAC settings. It offers sliding mounting points for smartphones and tablets, which can serve as the center screen, and over-the-air updates via smartphone.

Who are the key individuals behind Slate, and what is their experience?

Slate was founded by billionaires Mark Walter and Thomas Tull. Key team members include Chris Barman (CEO), Eric Kyper (Head of Engineering), Tisha Johnson (Head of Design), and Jeremy Snyder (Chief Commercial Officer), all of whom bring extensive experience from companies like Chrysler, Volvo, and Tesla.

How does Slate plan to distribute and service its vehicles?

Slate plans to sell its vehicles directly to customers, bypassing traditional franchise dealerships. The company is in discussions with several companies to handle distribution and service.

What are the potential challenges for Slate in terms of production goals?

One potential challenge is Slate's ambitious production goal of making 140,000 trucks per year, which is higher than the Ford Maverick's sales of 130,000 units. Additionally, if the $7,500 EV rebate is eliminated, the base truck may become more expensive than the Ford Maverick, which could affect its affordability.