Slate previously raised more than $100 million in investment, including from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Today, the company premiered several prototypes in Los Angeles and announced that mass production will begin in 2026 at a new plant in Indianapolis.
What makes the Slate electric car special is its minimal equipment. In standard configuration, it is a rear-wheel-drive pickup with a five-seat cab, a five-metre cargo bed and manual windows. Instead of a multimedia system, there is a smartphone holder and a Bluetooth speaker. Any body colour other than the standard grey is available as an option thanks to a factory-applied film, which promises to be applied in just 30 minutes.
Slate EV
The pickup/SUV is built on a modular platform, with a choice of one of two traction batteries. The base, with a capacity of 52.7 kW⋅h, provides a range of 150 miles (241 km). The larger, with a capacity of 84.3 kW⋅h, allows up to 240 miles (386 km) on a single charge. The sole electric motor, located at the rear, develops 201 hp (150 kW). Fast charging up to 120 kW is supported: replenishing the charge from 20 to 80 per cent takes about 30 minutes.
The basic Black Slate is designed to carry loads up to 635kg and tow trailers up to 453kg. All versions are equipped with NACS charging connector, stabilisation system, automatic braking function, rear view cameras and a set of other safety systems. The company intends to certify the model to the most stringent standards and achieve a five-star safety rating.
One of the features of the concept is the possibility of retrofitting. As accessories, modules are available that turn the pickup into a hard-roof SUV or a two-door SUV with an open top. Wheel discs, acoustics, additional panels and other functional elements will be available separately. The goal of this strategy is to keep the starting price below $20,000 with federal subsidies included. Orders are already being taken - a $50 deposit is required for reservations. All told, the plan is to produce up to 150,000 cars a year.
Source: Carscoops
