$20K American-Made EV Pickup; No Paint, No Stereo, No Screen
The Slate Truck is an ultra-minimalist electric vehicle (EV) from Michigan-based startup Slate Auto, aiming to shake up the bloated and expensive auto industry with radical simplicity. Priced under $20,000 (after federal incentives), the truck seats two, has a modest 150-mile range, and lacks features like a built-in infotainment system, paint, or even speakers—though it offers DIY customization options like vinyl wraps and add-ons including an SUV kit and extended battery.
Slate emphasizes minimalism, customization, and low-cost American manufacturing, avoiding expensive paint shops and stamping by using molded plastic body panels. The truck is designed as a “blank slate” for owners to personalize and even repair themselves, with support from an online education platform, Slate University, and partnerships with nationwide service centers.
Backed by notable investors (reportedly including Jeff Bezos), the Slate Truck challenges the norms of modern car design and manufacturing. It strips away complexity to cut cost and boost reliability, but it’s unclear if consumers will embrace such a radically stripped-down vehicle when it launches in late 2026.