Leadership Change as EV Startup Prepares for Launch
EV startup Slate Auto has named Peter Faricy as its new CEO, just months before the company plans to launch its highly anticipated affordable electric pickup.
Faricy replaces Chris Barman, a longtime Chrysler executive who helped guide the company since it emerged from stealth last year. While stepping down as chief executive, Barman will continue working with the company as President of Vehicles, focusing on product development.
The leadership change arrives at a crucial moment for the young automaker as it prepares to bring its first vehicle to market.
A CEO With Tech and Auto Industry Experience
Peter Faricy brings a diverse background that spans automotive, technology, and energy industries. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ford Motor Company and consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
Later, Faricy spent nearly a decade at Amazon, where he served as vice president of Amazon Marketplace. After leaving Amazon, he led the solar company SunPower as CEO from 2021 to 2024. Most recently, he worked as an advisor at venture capital firm Bessemer Venture Partners.
His appointment reflects Slate’s strong connections to the tech world. The startup originally grew out of Re:Build Manufacturing, an incubator linked to Amazon, and the project has attracted investment from Jeff Bezos.
The Mission: Deliver an Affordable Electric Pickup
Slate’s primary goal remains clear—build a low-cost electric pickup truck designed for everyday drivers.
The company plans to launch a simple two-door electric truck priced in the mid-$20,000 range. If successful, the vehicle could become one of the most affordable EV pickups on the market.
Slate has not yet revealed the final price or detailed specifications. However, the company says it will share more information later this year.
Production Plans Already Underway
While leadership changes take place at the top, Slate continues preparing for production. The startup intends to manufacture its first vehicles at a former printing facility in Warsaw, Indiana.
The company aims to begin customer deliveries by the end of 2026.
If Slate can deliver an electric pickup at its target price, it could help fill a major gap in the EV market. Most electric trucks today sit far above the $50,000 range, leaving few affordable options for buyers.
With a new CEO and an ambitious product on the way, Slate now faces the challenge of turning its low-cost EV vision into reality.
