2027 Slate Truck First Look: America’s Most Affordable Electric Pickup Starts Under $25,000
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The American truck market is about to get something completely different. The new 2027 Slate Truck is not trying to compete with luxury pickups loaded with giant screens, expensive interiors, and complex technology. Instead, Slate has gone in the opposite direction.
The company has created a simple, affordable, customizable electric truck that starts at $24,950 before destination charges. That makes it one of the most affordable new vehicles in America and potentially the cheapest electric pickup available when deliveries begin.
Founded in 2022, Slate is a new American automotive company with support from early investors that include Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The company designs its vehicles in Los Angeles and plans to build them in Warsaw, Indiana.
What Is the Slate Truck?
The Slate Truck is a compact two door electric pickup built around a “blank slate” philosophy.
Instead of offering multiple trims, engines, and option packages, Slate starts with a basic truck and lets owners customize it however they want.
Some highlights include:
- Starting price of $24,950
- Rear wheel drive layout
- 65 kWh battery pack
- Estimated range of 205 miles
- Two door body style
- Five foot cargo bed
- More than 200 accessories planned
- Optional SUV conversion kit
The truck uses unpainted polypropylene body panels. Rather than choosing traditional paint colors, buyers can wrap the vehicle in over 100 different colors offered by Slate.
2027 Slate Truck Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Pack | 65 kWh |
| Usable Battery | Approximately 63 kWh |
| Range | 205 miles |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Power Output | 181 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb ft |
| 0 to 60 mph | Around 8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 90 mph |
| Bed Length | 5 feet |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1,533 lbs |
| Starting Price | $24,950 |
Compact Size With Surprising Utility
One of the most interesting things about the Slate Truck is its size.
At just 174.6 inches long, it is actually shorter than many compact crossovers. It is roughly two feet shorter than a Ford Maverick, making it one of the smallest trucks available in America.
Despite its compact footprint, the truck offers:
- Five foot cargo bed
- 1,533 pound payload capacity
- 2,000 pound towing capacity
- Seven cubic foot front trunk
Those are respectable numbers for such a small vehicle.
Simple Exterior Design
The Slate Truck looks like the opposite of futuristic electric trucks currently on sale.
Instead of sharp angles and oversized dimensions, it uses a clean, boxy design with exposed fasteners and simple body panels.
Standard exterior features include:
- LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Backup camera
- NACS charging port
- Steel wheels
- Composite rust resistant body panels
Buyers can also customize:
- Headlight covers
- Grille designs
- Bumpers
- Fender flares
- Wheel designs
- Suspension kits
- Body wraps
Slate says most accessories are designed for owners to install themselves.
Charging and Battery Performance
The Slate Truck now uses a single battery option.
Battery and Charging
- 65 kWh battery pack
- Up to 205 miles of range
- NACS charging connector
- Access to Tesla Superchargers
- Up to 120 kW DC fast charging
- 11 kW onboard charger
Slate estimates charging from 20 percent to 80 percent takes around 30 minutes using DC fast charging.
Interior: Back to Basics
The cabin is where Slate takes a completely different approach from modern vehicles.
There is no large touchscreen.
There is no digital dashboard stretching across the cabin.
Instead, drivers get a small display showing essential information such as speed, battery status, and range.
Interior Features
- Manual crank windows
- Manual seat adjustments
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Phone mount
- Keyless entry
- Power door locks
- Multiple storage compartments
The dashboard is intentionally simple and uses durable hard plastic materials throughout. Buyers can customize interior panels, trim colors, seat covers, and audio equipment later.
No Standard Audio System?
Yes, really.
The basic Slate Truck does not come with built in speakers.
Instead, owners can use a Bluetooth speaker mount or add optional speaker packages.
Available upgrades include:
- Dashboard speaker system
- Additional side speakers
- Tablet holder
- Center armrest
- Upgraded seat covers
This approach helps keep the starting price low while giving buyers flexibility.
SUV Conversion Kit Changes Everything
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Slate Truck is its ability to transform into an SUV.
For approximately $5,000, owners can purchase a conversion kit that adds:
- Rear seats
- Additional airbags
- Roof structure
- Rear cargo enclosure
The result is a five seat SUV available in different styles, including open air and squareback configurations.
SUV Cargo Capacity
| Cargo Configuration | Space |
|---|---|
| Seats Up | 35 cubic feet |
| Seats Folded | 58 cubic feet |
For buyers who are unsure whether they need a pickup or SUV, this flexibility is one of the truck’s biggest selling points.
More Than 200 Accessories Planned
Customization is central to Slate’s business model.
The company says it plans to offer more than 200 accessories, with over 80 percent priced below $500.
Examples include:
- Seat covers
- Dashboard color panels
- Audio upgrades
- Wheel options
- Lift kits
- Lowering kits
- Roof tents
- Bike racks
- Light covers
- Off road tires
This means two Slate Trucks could look completely different even though they started as the same vehicle.
Driving Impressions
Early prototype testing suggests the truck delivers the instant response expected from an electric vehicle.
The 181 horsepower motor provides adequate acceleration, while the suspension setup offers a comfortable ride despite the truck’s relatively simple design.
The compact dimensions also help make it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Warranty and Ownership
Slate plans to sell directly to consumers rather than through traditional dealerships.
Warranty Coverage
- 4 year / 50,000 mile comprehensive warranty
- 10 year / 110,000 mile battery and powertrain warranty
The company has also partnered with RepairPal to provide service support through a network of more than 4,000 service locations and providers.
Production and Reservations
Slate says it has already received approximately 180,000 reservations for the truck. Production will take place at the company’s facility in Warsaw, Indiana. Annual production capacity is expected to reach around 150,000 units.
Customer deliveries are currently targeted for the fourth quarter of the year.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Slate Truck is one of the most interesting new vehicle launches in years.
While most automakers continue adding more screens, more complexity, and higher prices, Slate has focused on simplicity and affordability. The result is a compact electric pickup that starts under $25,000, offers useful utility, and can even transform into an SUV later.
It will not be for everyone. Buyers looking for luxury features, advanced technology, or high performance may want to look elsewhere.
But for people who simply want an affordable electric vehicle that can be customized over time, the Slate Truck could become one of the most important new vehicles to enter the American market.
Sources and References
Official Source
- Slate Auto Official Website
Official company website with specifications, reservations, accessories, and company information.
Automotive Media References
- MotorTrend – 2027 Slate Truck First Look
Detailed first-look review covering design, specs, customization options, and pricing. - MotorTrend – Slate Truck Pricing & Delivery Updates
Latest information on pricing and production plans. - Car and Driver – 2027 Slate Truck Overview
Comprehensive overview with estimated pricing, features, and specifications. - InsideEVs – Slate Truck Explained
EV-focused analysis covering range, battery options, and production plans.
News Sources
- The Verge – Slate Truck Drive Review
Hands-on driving impressions and affordability-focused analysis. - The Verge – Slate Truck Pricing Announcement
Coverage of the official $24,950 starting price announcement. - Business Insider – Slate Pricing News
Details on pricing, reservations, and market positioning. - Axios – Slate Auto EV Pickup Analysis
Industry-focused report on reservations, accessories, and business strategy.
Community / Unofficial Sources
- Slate Forums
Owner discussions, news, and community insights. - Reddit r/SlateAuto
Reservation holder discussions, production updates, and community reactions.
