Slate Auto’s the most talked about electric truck under $25K it is one step closer to the truth. It is now available for pre-order on the company’s website. However, it could be a year or two before drivers who pre-order the Slate receive their cars.
The base model of the car is priced at $24,950 and there are many color options and accessories available. But Car and Driver points out that it will end up costing more than $25,000 after factoring in a location and delivery fee that the company says will be lower than usual. However, that amount still runs $1,200 to $1,500.
Even with that money, however, Slate’s truck would stand out in a US auto market where SUVs rule the world and the average car price rose above $50,000 at the start of the year before retreating, according to Kelley Blue Book. Electric cars typically cost about $5,000 to $7,000 more, making the Slate even more of a puzzle.
This week, as it opens orders for the electric truck, Slate provided more details about its range and capabilities, which have changed since the truck’s existence. announced last year. New battery specifications increased the truck’s range from 150 miles per charge to 205. Slate also looks at truck customization options to draw customers: We offer more than 100 wrap colors and different ways to convert a two-seater truck into other configurations, even after the vehicle is purchased.
Pre-ordering a Slate truck costs $300 and is non-refundable. The company says the 180,000 customers who have placed a $50 refundable reservation can put that $50 toward a pre-order.
According to Slate’s website, the truck will be delivered for the first time this year. But full production of the Slate truck is not expected to fully ramp up until sometime in 2027. Slate has raised $1.3 billion and counts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos as one of its investors.
Reviewers posted new Slate impressions
Not everyone is impressed with the concept, or even the Slate’s pricing, with the Wall Street Journal dismissing the company’s reviews with the headline, “Will Anyone Buy This Cheap EV Truck With Hand-Crank Windows and No Radio?”
But those who have seen it and ride in the car sing its songs. Nick Yekikian at Edmunds wrote that the truck is “beautiful and has real charm in person” and said it has evolved since the last time he saw it. He wrote, “The build quality is generally very solid, and it seems ready to hit the road.” He also posted a video about his experience with Slate.
Aaron Gold at MotorTrend wrote, after driving the Slate, that “we had high expectations, which is good, as we at MotorTrend have high hopes for this great, affordable electric truck.”
David Tracy at Autopian called driving the truck “insanely fun.” He wrote, “It’s a light truck, and it’s cheap. Is it the cheapest? No. Is it more useful for families? No. But what the Slate is aiming for is this: By far, the most exciting new car the American consumer can buy for $25,000.”
At least one more cheap EV is on the way
In terms of competition for affordable electric cars, it’s close to the Slate’s fixed price it could be the Chevrolet Bolt just under $30,000. But some car manufacturers are working on more affordable electric car models.
Ford i a low-cost electric truck is expected to be released in the $30,000 range, due out in 2027. And political changes could open up opportunities for Chinese EVs, which have fans in the US but are not widely available due to cost and other factors. As Reuters points out, some Chinese EVs are priced below $12,000; for the average cost of an American car, you can buy three or more EVs much cheaper in China.
