The radically simple, ultra-customizable Slate Truck EV could shake up the American automotive industry — if it can deliver on its promises.
An ambitious new EV startup is poised to disrupt the electric truck market with an offering that blends ultra-low pricing, modular customization, and minimalist design. Meet the 2027 Slate Truck, a no-frills electric pickup designed to be affordable, upgradeable, and uniquely personal. Priced just under $27,500 MSRP, and potentially below $20,000 after applying the federal EV tax credit, the Slate Truck is unlike anything currently on the road.
Built for Customization, Not Comfort
Slate’s philosophy is simple: give buyers control. The base model of the 2027 Slate Truck is intentionally spartan. Features most car buyers take for granted — like power windows, infotainment systems, and even speakers — are missing from the standard package. Instead, you’ll find manual roll-down windows, manually adjustable mirrors, and a phone dock that doubles as your media center.
Still, it’s not completely barren. It includes essential safety tech such as:
- Digital gauge cluster
- Forward collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Cruise control
- Rearview camera integrated in the digital display
The Slate Truck’s strength lies in its modular design. The company plans to offer over 100 accessories, including a $1,000 SUV conversion kit that transforms the truck into a 5-seater SUV with a roll bar, roof panel, and additional airbags. Buyers can also add power windows, alloy wheels, lift or lowering kits, and an optional 75-kWh battery pack to replace the default 47-kWh unit.
Learn more about EV tax credits and how they apply to new vehicles in the U.S.
Simplicity by Design: The Blank Slate Approach
Slate isn’t just cutting corners; it’s redefining vehicle manufacturing. According to Car and Driver, the Slate Truck is built with unpainted injection-molded polypropylene composite panels, meaning no paint shop is needed — a massive cost savings.
Instead of building dozens of trims, Slate will produce one version of the truck and let buyers personalize it after purchase. The vehicle will roll out of a repurposed plant in the U.S. Midwest with a standard gray exterior. Buyers can then add vinyl wraps, which Slate will sell in DIY kits that anyone can install in a weekend.
The vehicle’s industrial aesthetic — inspired by the scars of a gray shark — embraces wear and tear as part of its identity. As Slate’s Head of Design, Tisha Johnson, explains, it’s meant to age gracefully, gaining character as it gets used.
Power, Range, and Performance
The Slate Truck is rear-wheel drive, powered by a single rear-mounted motor delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. With the standard 47-kWh battery, drivers can expect 150 miles of range. Upgrading to the optional 75-kWh pack boosts range to 240 miles.
Performance specs include:
- 0–60 mph in 8.0 seconds (est.)
- Max charging speed: 120 kW
- Payload: 1,433 lbs
- Towing capacity: 1,000 lbs
- 5-foot bed and 7.0 cu-ft front trunk
By comparison, it offers more bed space than the Ford Maverick but falls short in towing power. Yet at under $20,000, it’s tough to argue with the value.
DIY Culture Meets Electric Innovation
Slate is targeting the DIY enthusiast market. Many upgrades are designed for easy home installation, though Slate will also have a network of approved service centers for buyers who prefer professional help. It’s the Burger King of trucks — customers can have it their way.
And unlike most EV startups burning through billions, Slate claims it will be cash-flow positive shortly after production begins, thanks to its simplified manufacturing model.
Read more on Slate’s funding and origin story via TechCrunch, including insights into its Amazon connections and backing from Jeff Bezos.
Market Disruption or Niche Experiment?
Slate has some powerful backers. It emerged from Re:Build Manufacturing, founded by former Amazon executive Jeff Wilke. Investors include heavy hitters, reportedly even Jeff Bezos himself. Still, questions remain. Will American consumers accept a screenless, radio-less, gray-only EV? Or will the DIY-friendly truck attract a new kind of buyer?
If the federal EV tax credit remains in place, and if Slate can deliver as promised, it might just redefine what “entry-level EV” means.
For more EV insights, check out Electrek or follow InsideEVs for real-time updates on electric vehicle trends.
Bottom Line: The 2027 Slate Truck is unconventional, affordable, and built for people who want a blank canvas instead of a pre-packaged product. Whether it’s the start of a new EV revolution or just a bold experiment, it’s one to watch.
Would you buy a truck with no touchscreen and crank windows if it saved you $10,000 or more?
