Michigan-based startup Slate is developing a minimalist electric truck with a focus on affordability and customization. The Slate Truck, targeting a price below $20,000 after federal incentives, features a single-cab design with a 4-by-5-foot bed and dent-resistant composite body panels. The vehicle comes with basic safety features including front automatic emergency braking and multiple airbags, while deliberately omitting luxury amenities in favor of manual controls like crank windows.
The base model includes a 52.7-kWh battery powering a rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Estimated driving range is 150 miles, with an optional 84.3-kWh battery extending range to 240 miles. The truck uses the NACS charging standard and offers payload capacity of 1,433 pounds with 1,000 pounds of towing capability.
What sets Slate apart is its approach to customization, allowing owners to modify nearly every aspect of the vehicle. The company plans to offer a catalog of accessories and upgrades that customers can install themselves, from power windows and heated seats to lift kits and interior trim options. The truck’s modular design even allows conversion to a five-seat SUV by removing the cab-bed divider and adding rear seats.
Slate aims to build a community around user customization, with plans to open-source much of its ecosystem. The company will provide online tutorials through “Slate University” showing owners how to modify their vehicles, though powertrain components will remain inaccessible. The “Slate Maker” configurator tool will allow customers to plan their builds before purchase.
The company sees potential customers in small businesses, municipal fleets, and auto enthusiasts interested in personalization. Production is slated to begin by the end of 2026, though the current prototype remains in early development stages. Questions remain about how the personalization ecosystem will function and what safety implications may arise from user modifications.
Source: motortrend.com
