Jeff Bezos supports the development of an affordable, compact electric pickup truck with a price tag of $20,000.

Jeff Bezos supports the development of an affordable, compact electric pickup truck with a price tag of $20,000.

Unleashing the $20k Radical Electric Pickup: The Slate Truck'

Gearing up for a disruptive entrance, Slate Auto, a brand-new startup, is all set to redefine the electric vehicle landscape. Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto has unveiled the Slate Truck - an affordable, modular electric pickup truck. With abase price of just $20,000 after federal EV incentives, this vehiclemay seem too good to be true - but it's here to shake things up!

The Slate Truck strips down the conventional car features, opting for a no-frills minimalist design, devoid of power windows, touchscreens, and fancy dashboard displays. Despite this, it offers a wide range of customization options, empowering buyers to transform it into a five-seat SUV.

Slate Truck: Numbers at a Glance

The Slate Truck is a compact, electric pickup measuring 174.6 inches in length, 70.6 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 69.3 inches tall. It sits on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and boasts a five-foot bed that's slightly longer and wider than the Ford Maverick's. That translates to 37 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for everyday hauling needs. Under the hood, the Slate Truck packs a single rear-mounted motor with 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, offering rear-wheel drive and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, with a top speed of around 90 mph[1].

Buyers can choose between a standard 52.7 kWh battery with an estimated 150-mile range or upgrade to an 84.3 kWh pack for up to 240 miles of range[1]. Charging is made easy with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and DC fast charging up to 120 kW through a NACS connector, ensuring a 20% to 80% charge in roughly half an hour[1]. The Slate Truck can handle a maximum payload capacity of 1,433 pounds and tow up to 1,000 pounds[1]. Safety features include traction control, electronic stability control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and up to eight airbags[1].

Funding, Mission, and Manufacturing Strategy

Founded in 2022, Slate Auto secured $111 million in funding from Jeff Bezos and other notable investors, such as Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Slate Auto aims to democratize the electric vehicle market by offering affordable, accessible electric trucks[2]. With the majority of the industry dominated by high-priced models, Slate Auto is here to shatter the status quo.

Slate Auto's production is scheduled to commence in Warsaw, Indiana, at a repurposed paper facility, which is an unconventional yet cost-effective approach to manufacturing. The company plans to challenge industry titans like Tesla and Ford and, with Bezos' backing, could redefine what an affordable electric vehicle represents[2].

Customization Options

One of the Slate Truck's standout features is its extensive customization potential. Starting as a two-seater, the truck can be transformed into a five-seat SUV with an add-on kit featuring rear seats, a roll cage, and airbags[1]. Buyers can also choose from over 100 accessories, including roof racks, cargo storage, all-terrain tires, and lift kits[1]. The vehicle's exterior can be wrapped in different colors and designs instead of painted, enabling owners to effortlessly change its look or even customize it themselves with a DIY kit[1]. This flexible, creative philosophy gives the Slate Truck a unique appeal to both everyday drivers and enthusiasts who seek a personalized electric vehicle experience.

Availability and Future Outlook

Reservations for the Slate Truck are now open for a refundable $50 deposit. Deliveries are predicted to begin by the end of 2026[1][3]. To reserve your Slate Truck, head over to their official website using the provided link[3].

Would you consider purchasing a Slate Truck with its minimalistic design and customizable features? Let us know by dropping us a line at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more tech tips and essential security alerts, sign up for the free CyberGuy Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Kurt's Bottom Line: Slate Auto's novel approach to building a straightforward, modular electric pickup truck at an accessible price could revolutionize the EV market. Its laser-focus on practicality and customization, combined with Jeff Bezos' backing, promises a fresh, attainable alternative to the pricier, tech-heavy trucks that currently dominate the market. With production slated to start in Indiana and deliveries expected by the close of 2026, the Slate Truck could become the face of an affordable electric vehicle future.

Sources:

1. Slate Auto: America's Smallest EV Truck Prototype Has Arrived
2. Slate Auto, Bezos-backed EV startup, promises to bring cheaper electric trucks to market by 2026
3. Reserve your $20,000 electric slate truck now!
4. Slate Takes A Different Approach To Electric Pickups
5. The Slate Truck, an electric vehicle by Slate Auto, is poised to disrupt the industry with its innovative design and affordable pricing, backed by Jeff Bezos and other prominent investors.
6. With a base price of $20,000 after federal EV incentives, the Slate Truck offers a unique blend of affordability and customization, stripping down conventional car features while providing a range of transformation options.
7. In the automotive sector, the Slate Truck stands out for its manufacturing strategy, opting for a repurposed paper facility in Warsaw, Indiana, aiming to challenge industry leaders like Tesla and Ford.
8. As the demand for electric vehicles grows, the Slate Truck's lifestyle-focused approach, centered on practicality and self-expression, may revolutionize the industry, offering an accessible alternative to high-priced, technology-heavy vehicles.

Read also: