2027 Slate Truck Is An Open Source Pickup
Slate, a Michigan-based startup, has unveiled its first product: a bare bones electric pickup truck designed to be highly affordable and endlessly customizable.
Key Points
- Slate reveals ultra-basic electric pickup aimed at affordability and customization, targeting a starting price under $20,000 after federal incentives.
- The 2027 Slate Truck features a single-cab, two-door layout with crank windows, manual seats, and no touchscreen.
- Powered by a 201-hp rear motor and a 52.7-kWh battery for 150 miles of range, with an optional 84.3-kWh battery increasing range to 240 miles.
2027 Slate Truck: All The Details
Priced under $20,000 after federal incentives, the Slate Truck promises a blank canvas for both personal and commercial users. The 2027 Slate Truck debuts in a single configuration—a two-door, single-cab model with a 4-by-5-foot bed and a molded-in-color gray composite body.
Measuring shorter than a Ford Maverick, the Slate Truck rolls on steel wheels, has crank windows, manual seats, and a basic 4.0-inch rear display for backup camera compliance. Safety features include multiple airbags and automatic emergency braking.
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor good for 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque—less than a 2008 Ford Ranger—paired with a 52.7-kWh battery good for 150 miles of range. An optional 84.3-kWh pack increases range to 240 miles. Towing capacity is rated at 1,000 pounds, with payload topping out at 1,433 pounds. Top speed is 90 mph, with a 0–60 mph sprint in a claimed 8 seconds.
Dual-motor AWD and more battery options are reportedly in development. Slate says the Truck is a direct response to rising new vehicle prices and what it calls a broken definition of affordability.
Inside, you’ll find manual HVAC knobs, cloth seats, crank windows, but buyers will be able to outfit their vehicles with a catalog of dealer- and user-designed parts, from power windows and heated seats to full SUV conversions. Rear seats can be added by removing the partition between the cab and bed, and accessories like wrap kits, lift kits, roof racks, and upgraded interiors will be available directly from Slate or via its open-source platform.
Slate plans to support both individual buyers and commercial operators by allowing DIY customization or factory-backed modifications. The company is even creating a digital learning hub, “Slate University,” with tutorials for owners who want to make changes themselves.
Still in early prototype stages, the Slate Truck is expected to enter production by the end of 2026.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Looks pretty cool. Do people who want cheap trucks want cheap electric trucks?
Maybe.
I last read a couple days ago that the Slate truck would start at 25 grand. This says under 20K. Now they're getting my attention. So, maybe if I wait a couple more days....? 🤣 This little truck has possibilities for us po' folks.