New electric vehicle (EV) startup Slate has revealed its debut model, the simply named Truck - an affordable and highly customisable tiny electric ute aiming to disrupt the market.
Basic EV, big ambitions
Unveiled at an event in Los Angeles, the Slate Truck is offered with two battery options: a 52.7kWh pack with a 241km range, or an 84.3kWh unit stretching to 386km. A single 150kW rear-mounted motor drives all versions. Prices start at US$28,000 (about NZ$47,000), or US$20,500 (NZ$34,000) with US federal incentives applied.
The Slate Truck measures 4435mm long, 1793mm wide and 1760mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2766 mm. Weighing in at 1643kg, the Truck is notably smaller than other compact utes like the Ford Maverick.
Performance is modest: a towing capacity of 453kg, a payload of 635kg, and a fast-charging capability of up to 120kW, enabling a 20 to 80%recharge in roughly 30 minutes. A basic 1.5m bed and NACS charging connector come standard.
Despite a minimalist approach to equipment, Slate is serious about safety. All Trucks feature traction control, ESC, automatic emergency braking, airbags, a reversing camera, forward collision warning and auto high beam as standard.
A "blank Slate" approach
The company calls its model a "blank" Slate, designed for heavy customisation. Customers can configure the Truck into a five-seat SUV or a fastback utility body.
Hundreds of accessories will be available, including conversion kits, alternative wheels, Bluetooth speakers, and vinyl wraps - since grey is the only default colour.
The cabin sticks to basics with no radio, speakers or infotainment screen. Instead, a small digital cluster, a physical phone mount and wind-up windows feature as standard.
Slate is also developing a companion app to add entertainment options via the customer’s smartphone.
Strong backing, yet to prove itself
Although Slate is a newcomer, it has secured more than US$100 million (NZ$168 million) in funding, including investment from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
The company plans to manufacture the Truck in Indianapolis, Indiana, with first deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. A US$50 (NZ$85) deposit secures a spot in the queue.
Ambitiously, Slate is targeting annual production of up to 150,000 vehicles. Whether the back-to-basics EV will win over buyers remains to be seen - but at this price, it’s a rare proposition.
