Although Slate is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the truck seems to be inspired by another major retailer. Like the furniture sold at Ikea, you’ll have to build much of the Slate yourself if you want any extras.
If you want an SUV, Slate will sell you a kit with a back seat, a roll cage, and airbags. You can then install it yourself (Slate says it takes a few hours) or have someone else do it. The infotainment setup? Whatever tablet or phone you bring with you. The sound system? Your Bluetooth speaker, or aftermarket speakers. If you want power windows, you’ll have to install them yourself. While the truck comes only in black, Slate says customizable vinyl wraps start at $500. It has an estimated range of 150 miles between charges, unless you upgrade to the larger battery pack that gives the truck a claimed 240-mile range.
Slate says the parts of the pickup that aren’t assembled in your driveway will be built in the U.S., so the EV will qualify for a $7,500 EV tax credit as long as it’s still available. Regardless of tax credits and tariffs, the Slate’s Made-in-U.S.A. label means it won’t be subject to prohibitive taxes on compact pickups that have kept foreign manufacturers from importing their tiniest trucks.
It’s a truly unique vehicle, and we’re looking forward to purchasing one and testing it, along with all the kits necessary to customize it.
What it competes with: Nothing, really—maybe a pristine 1972 Chevy LUV?
Powertrain: 201-hp single electric motor, 52.7-kWh or 84.3-kWh lithium-ion battery, rear-wheel drive
Price: $27,000 to $40,000 (before EV tax credits)
On sale: 2026
Final assembly point: U.S.A. (and your driveway)
