Slate’s Affordable EV Pickup Hits a Roadblock, But Not the Brakes
Published On: July 15th, 2025
When Slate Auto announced plans for a sub-$20,000 electric pickup truck, the automotive world took notice—and for good reason. In an industry dominated by rising EV prices and feature-packed luxury models, Slate pitched the exact opposite: a radically simple, bare-bones truck built to be customized from the ground up. Now, that bold affordability claim is off the table, and a new political shift may be to blame.
The company quietly removed mention of its under-$20K pricing from its website just days after the Trump administration passed its latest budget bill. One of the bill’s provisions? Eliminating the federal tax credits that helped make Slate’s price promise even remotely viable. According to Slate’s latest update, the expected base price now starts in the mid-$20,000 range—still competitive, but no longer groundbreaking.
That might seem like a death blow to Slate’s hype, but the truck’s appeal goes beyond price. What makes Slate unique isn’t just how cheap it was supposed to be—it’s how different it is. Instead of launching a polished consumer product, Slate’s truck is more like a foundation. A gray, two-seater EV with a flatbed, a steering wheel, and a simple battery display. No paint options. No power windows. No cupholders. Want music? Pay for the stereo. Want color? Buy a wrap. Even features like AC and roof panels are optional bolt-ons. You can convert it into an SUV or fastback, too, if you’re willing to piece it together.
This “blank slate” philosophy is unlike anything offered by Tesla or legacy automakers. Slate’s vision is less about disrupting luxury EVs and more about offering a utility-first, upgrade-as-you-go platform. Think IKEA meets Home Depot meets your first project car.
And clearly, the idea resonated. The company reportedly received over 100,000 reservations within just two weeks of unveiling the truck. The original low price tag helped, no doubt. But even without tax credits, the modular nature of the Slate EV may still hold strong appeal, especially among buyers who value function over frills and don’t mind building their own comfort.
Still, there’s no denying the uphill battle ahead. With mainstream automakers like GM and Hyundai inching closer to $30,000 EVs that offer full features and warranties, Slate’s stripped-down platform could feel like too much work for the average buyer. Even used EVs like the Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf offer more tech and safety without needing a personal toolbox.
What Slate is really selling isn’t just a truck—it’s a mindset. A return to utility. A challenge to our idea of what a new car should look and feel like. It may not be polished. It may not be finished. But in a sea of cookie-cutter EVs, it dares to be something else entirely.
And that might just be enough to keep it alive—even without Uncle Sam footing the bill.