Last updated: October 26, 2026
The Slate Truck is one of the cheapest new electric pickups headed for American roads.and Edmunds says no 2027 model has generated more buzz among budget-conscious shoppers. The pitch is simple: a small, two-seat EV truck for under $25,000, built in Indiana, that you customize yourself instead of paying for features you never asked for.
The catch is just as simple. It is deliberately bare-bones, the range is modest, and deliveries have not ramped up yet. This guide covers what Slate has announced so far: price, range, specs, release timing, and who this truck actually makes sense for.
In this guide:
- Slate Truck at a Glance
- What Is the Slate Truck?
- How Much Does the Slate Truck Cost?
- Range, Power and Battery
- What You Don't Get
- Release Date: When Can You Actually Get One?
- Who Should Consider It
- Who Should Skip It
- Slate Truck Alternatives
- Slate Truck FAQ
- Bottom Line
Slate Truck at a Glance
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All figures come from pre-production announcements and may change before the truck reaches customers.
What Is the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck comes from Slate Auto, a U.S. startup backed by Jeff Bezos. It is a compact two-door pickup that Edmunds describes as smaller than a Ford Maverick. The idea is to sell a simple, low-cost base vehicle and let owners add what they want later.
That means no factory paint and no built-in infotainment touchscreen. Your phone does the job of the screen. Slate also sells accessories and body conversion kits, including one that turns the cargo bed area into extra seating so the truck becomes a five-seat SUV. Coverage of Slate's online configurator launch reports that more than 80% of its accessories cost under $500, so you can build the truck up gradually instead of financing everything on day one.
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How Much Does the Slate Truck Cost?
Why the price changed
When Slate first revealed the truck, it was marketed as a sub-$20,000 EV. That figure depended on the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which Congress has since ended. Slate now quotes a starting price of $24,950, announced in June 2026. Edmunds lists the price at $26,400 once the destination fee is included.
What you'll really pay
Treat that as the starting point, not the final bill. Taxes, registration, accessories, and any conversion kit will push the real number higher. Even so, it stays well below most new electric trucks on the market, and Slate says it is priced at nearly half the cost of the average new vehicle.
Range, Power and Battery
Battery and power
Slate estimates about 205 miles of range from a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The company stresses that this is not an official EPA estimate and that the truck is still in pre-production, so specs could shift.
Is 205 miles enough?
Edmunds flags the range as the main concern. For commuting, errands, and local work, 205 miles is plenty. For long road trips, or for towing near the 2,000 lb limit (towing cuts range on any EV), it is a tighter fit.
Payload and towing
The payload rating of 1,550 lb and tow rating of up to 2,000 lb cover hardware runs, yard work, and a small trailer, but sit well below what full-size trucks offer.
What You Don't Get
The low price comes from leaving things out. Edmunds notes the Slate Truck lacks many features buyers take for granted in other vehicles. Expect:
- No factory paint
- No built-in touchscreen (your phone is the display)
- Only two seats in the base truck
- A short list of options, with most of the personalization happening through accessories
If you want a polished, fully loaded cabin, this is not that truck. If you want a simple vehicle you can make your own, that is exactly the point.
Release Date: When Can You Actually Get One?
Slate is building the truck at a converted printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, and says first deliveries are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. As of this writing, that is a target rather than a guarantee, and early volumes are likely to be limited.
Demand is also high. Slate reported more than 160,000 refundable reservations back in April 2026. If you reserve now, plan on waiting, and treat any delivery date as an estimate. The $50 reservation is refundable, so holding a spot costs very little.
Who Should Consider It
- Commuters and second-car households. A cheap, efficient EV for daily driving is the sweet spot.
- DIY owners. If you like customizing a vehicle, the accessory-first approach is the main attraction.
- Small businesses and tradespeople. Short local runs with light loads fit the payload and range.
- Budget-minded first-time EV buyers. It is one of the lowest-priced new EVs you can reserve.
Who Should Skip It
- Frequent long-distance drivers
- Anyone who needs serious towing capacity
- Buyers who want a modern touchscreen and a lot of built-in tech
- Anyone who needs a vehicle within the next few weeks
Slate Truck Alternatives
Chevrolet Bolt
The Chevrolet Bolt is back for the 2027 model year at just under $30,000, according to AutoGuide, and offers a more conventional small-EV experience.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a more traditional compact pickup, and Edmunds describes the Slate as smaller still.
A used EV
If you need a vehicle right now, a used EV is available today while the Slate waitlist works through its backlog.
Slate Truck FAQ
How much does the Slate Truck cost?
The base price is $24,950, announced in June 2026. Edmunds lists $26,400 including destination. Taxes, accessories, and options are extra.
What is the range of the Slate Truck?
Slate estimates about 205 miles. This is not an official EPA rating.
Does the Slate Truck qualify for the federal EV tax credit?
Slate's original sub-$20,000 pitch assumed the $7,500 federal credit, which Congress ended. Slate now quotes a starting price in the mid-$20,000s without it. Check current rules before you buy.
Does the Slate Truck have a touchscreen?
No. It is designed without a built-in infotainment screen, and your phone takes that role.
When will the Slate Truck be available?
Slate expects first deliveries in Q4 2026. Reservations are open with a $50 refundable deposit.
Where is the Slate Truck built?
In Warsaw, Indiana, at a repurposed printing plant.
Bottom Line
The Slate Truck is not trying to be everything. It is a small, honest, low-cost electric pickup for people who value a low price and a blank canvas over features. If your driving is mostly local and you are comfortable waiting, a $50 refundable reservation is a low-risk way to keep your options open. If you need long range, strong towing, or a tech-heavy cabin, look elsewhere.
We will update this guide as Slate confirms production and delivery dates.
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