The Big Question: How Cheap Will It Be?
Everyone wants to know one thing. How much will the Slate electric pickup actually cost?
Now we have a timeline. Slate Auto says it will announce final pricing in late June.
In a short social media video, CEO Chris Barman confirmed that the base “Blank Slate” model will start in the mid-$20,000 range. The company is still finalizing supplier negotiations. However, Barman says the team is close to locking in the lowest possible price. More details are coming soon.
A Radical Approach to Affordable EVs
Slate is not following the typical EV startup playbook.
Unlike Tesla or Lucid, which launched with premium models, Slate starts at the bottom of the market. Its two-door electric pickup comes stripped down from the factory. No power windows. No premium sound system. No unnecessary extras.
Instead, buyers can add features later. Customers can swap manual window cranks for electric switches. They can install speakers, upgraded seats, and other accessories.
Even more surprising, the truck can transform into different SUV configurations. Bolt-on kits add rear seats, a roof, a roll cage, and even airbags. This modular approach sets Slate apart from anything else in today’s auto market.
Production Timeline and Pricing Pressure
Slate plans to begin production in Indiana by the end of this year.
However, pricing will play a critical role in the company’s success. When Slate emerged from stealth last April, it promised a starting price below $20,000. That figure included a $7,500 federal tax credit, which is no longer available.
As a result, expectations shifted. During a recent interview, Barman confirmed the final number was still under discussion. The company continues to work closely with suppliers to reduce costs and pass savings to customers.
In June, we will finally see where those negotiations landed. And we will learn whether Slate can truly deliver an affordable electric truck in today’s market.
