Slate Announces $25K Starting Price for Transformer-Style EV Truck

American startup Slate Auto is taking a decidedly old-school approach to the modern electric vehicle. Instead of massive touchscreens and complex computer systems, the company’s upcoming 2027 vehicle lineup features physical knobs, tactile controls, and a modular platform built with less than half the parts of a traditional truck.

According to Slate, the project is aimed squarely at buyers looking for a utility vehicle that is highly adaptable and easy on the wallet.

Slate plans to use a direct to consumer sales approach, circumventing dealerships.

• The Slate Truck: In an unusual design twist, buyers can purchase it as a pickup or an SUV, and actually convert the vehicle between the two body styles after delivery. After federal tax credits it will start at $24,950.
• The Slate SUVs: Two dedicated SUV variants—the Squareback and the Fastback—will start at $29,950, once again after tax credits.

Range, Towing, and Customization

The vehicle offers an estimated driving range of 205 miles from a 65 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is an increase in range and battery size from what Slate had originally announced. On the capability front, the truck can haul a 1,550-pound payload and features a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

Rather than locking upgrades behind expensive factory trim tiers, Slate is launching an online Marketplace with over 200 add-ons like roof racks, stereos, and zip-off seat covers—with more than 80% of the inventory priced under $500. The vehicle can also be customized with over 100 professional vinyl wrap options at launch for under $500, a process the company says takes hours rather than days.

Focus on DIY Maintenance

In a shift away from standard automotive industry practices, Slate is actively encouraging owners to work on their own vehicles. Repairs are designed to be simple, backed by an online instructional database called "Slate U."

For more complex issues, the vehicles come with a 10-year, 110,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty. Owners will have access to a network of over 3,000 RepairPal locations across the country, including 100 certified high-voltage EV service centers.

Manufacturing and Availability

Preorders are currently open on the company’s website for $300 (or $250 for early reservation holders). Final vehicle customization will open up closer to the official launch, with the first customer deliveries scheduled for the final quarter of 2026.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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