CEO of e-car startup Slate discloses strategy for 22,000 euro pickup truck, aiming to outperform Tesla models.
Slate's Affordable, Customizable Electric Pickup: Revolutionizing Transportation
America is about to get a shake-up in the electric vehicle market, thanks to Slate Auto – an electric mobility startup rooted in the heart of Michigan, backed by none other than the legendary Jeff Bezos.
Slate is set to produce the country's first electric pickup truck, priced at an accessible $25,000 (around €22,000), a number that the current electric vehicle market heavyweight, Tesla, hasn't quite managed to touch yet.
The visionary CEO behind this game-changer is Chris Barman, a former FCA manager with a background in mechanical engineering. Barman aims to make car ownership more attainable for the average American, addressing the growing affordability concerns as the cost of new cars edges closer to the $50,000 (around €44,000) mark.
So, what makes Slate's offering so special? Barman explains that the focus is on simplicity and affordability. The decision to offer a no-frills base model, colloquially referred to as a "blank slate," allows customers to decide on the comforts they ultimately need, ultimately providing financial freedom to upgrade their vehicle over time.
Moreover, virtually every part of the vehicle, except for the battery, can be upgraded or personalized at any point during the vehicle's lifespan. This enables Slate owners to grow and evolve their vehicle alongside their changing needs, be it starting a family or requiring more space as their lifestyle expands.
This lack-of-frills approach, Barman admits, may not be for everyone. But for those willing to take the plunge, Slate offers an opportunity to create a vehicle that truly reflects their individuality and evolves with them over time.
At its core, the Slate truck is more than just an electric vehicle. It's a testament to the power of choice and the freedom to adapt and grow, all while staying mindful of the bottom line. In a world where cars are becoming increasingly complex and expensive, Slate represents a breath of fresh air, promoting DIY-mindedness and fostering a sense of ownership like never before.
The Slate truck is set to roll out in an unnamed Midwestern plant by the end of 2026, with reservations currently available for a fully refundable fee of $50 (approximately €44). If you're ready to embrace the future of affordable, customizable, and tailor-made transportation, Slate is ready to help you write your own adventure.
Key Specs and Features
- Electric motor producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft torque
- Battery options: 52.7-kWh (150-mile range) and 84.3-kWh (240-mile range)
- 120 kW DC fast charging (20–80% in 30 minutes) and 11-kW AC charging (Full charge in 4–8 hours)
- Top speed of 90 mph and 0–60 mph in 8 seconds
- Single base spec (gray exterior, basic interior, steel wheels) with over 100 accessories for customization
- Modularity enabling conversion from a two-seat truck to a five-seat SUV using a flat-pack kit
- Hybrid unibody-frame design optimized for modularity and interchangeable configurations
- Targeting a 5-star NCAP rating, complete with standard safety features and a backup camera
- Price tag of under $20,000 after incentives (pre-incentive ~$27,500)
- DIY-friendly accessories designed for self-installation or via Slate service centers
- Cost efficiency achieved through eliminating paint shop expenses, reducing production costs
- Curated accessory bundles for simplified customization (starter packs)
- Chris Barman, the visionary CEO of Slate Auto, aspires to make car ownership more affordable for the average American, with the new electric pickup truck priced at $25,000, a figure yet to be met by Tesla in the electric vehicle market.
- Slate's electric truck is set to revolutionize transportation, boasting a no-frills base model, allowing customers to customize their vehicle based on their personal needs and financial capacity.
- The Slate truck is an affordable, customizable, and tailor-made electric vehicle, offering an opportunity for individuals to create a vehicle that truly reflects their lifestyle and personal needs.
- The batteries in the Slate truck are the only components that cannot be upgraded or personalized, while all other parts can be modified at any point during the vehicle's lifespan.
- The Slate truck's hybrid unibody-frame design is optimized for modularity and interchangeable configurations, enabling owners to switch between a two-seat truck and a five-seat SUV using a flat-pack kit.
- The automotive industry and personal-finance experts have predicted that the Slate truck's innovative approach will have a significant impact on the electric-vehicle and transportation sectors, bringing both cost efficiency and technology advancements.
- Barman's strategy of eliminating paint shop expenses leads to reduced production costs, making the Slate truck one of the most cost-effective electric vehicles available in the market.
- Slate offers curated accessory bundles, dubbed "starter packs," to simplify customization for its customers, ensuring they have access to the latest automotive technology and lifestyle amenities while staying mindful of their personal finances.
