Tesla may soon have a serious rival on its hands—and it’s not from the usual suspects like Ford or Rivian. A startup called Slate Automotive has officially unveiled its first vehicle, a compact, no-frills electric pickup priced at just $25,000. It’s already being dubbed a potential “Tesla killer,” thanks to its refreshingly simple design, high level of customization, and focus on affordability.
Emerging from stealth mode just recently, Slate Automotive is partially backed by none other than Jeff Bezos—yes, the Amazon founder himself—adding an extra layer of intrigue to this new EV player. The company is now taking $50 refundable deposits ahead of expected deliveries in late 2026.
What Makes Slate Different?
The entry-level model, dubbed the “Blank Slate,” gets an estimated 150 miles of range from a 52.7-kWh battery. For those needing more distance, an optional 84.3-kWh battery pack pushes that range up to 240 miles. The truck comes in one basic color—gray—molded directly into its body panels to reduce production costs. Instead of splurging on features like built-in screens or fancy paint jobs, Slate is focused on a modular design philosophy that keeps manufacturing lean and prices low.
In fact, by avoiding complex manufacturing steps like metal stamping and painting, Slate estimates it has saved between $350 million and $500 million. CEO Chris Barman says this streamlined approach allows them to produce up to 150,000 units annually—an ambitious figure, but one that underscores the startup’s serious intentions.
Customization Without Complication
While the truck may look plain on paper, Slate’s real secret weapon is its customization potential. Instead of offering multiple factory-built variants, Slate plans to sell over 100 accessories, including full kits that can convert the basic two-door pickup into either a two-door SUV or a fastback-style utility vehicle. These modular add-ons let owners build the vehicle they want, whether for urban commuting, light hauling, or adventurous getaways.
Accessories include console kits, wrap options, upgraded seat covers, and even conversion kits to turn manual windows electric. For buyers interested in turning their pickup into a five-seat SUV, the conversion kit will run about $5,000. Slate also promises a “Builder’s Book” to help guide DIY enthusiasts through these modifications.
Simplicity by Design
The vehicle doesn’t come with a central infotainment screen. Instead, buyers are given a variety of phone and tablet mounts. A backup camera is standard, but its display appears in the digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. All required safety features, including automatic emergency braking and airbags, are built into the design.
Under the hood (or rather, behind the wheel), the Slate pickup is powered by a 150-kilowatt (201-horsepower) motor and runs on a rear-wheel drive system. It features DC fast charging at speeds up to 120 kW and uses the same NACS connector found on Tesla vehicles.
Performance-wise, the pickup weighs in at 3,600 pounds and can haul a payload of 1,430 pounds, though it lags behind rivals like the Ford Maverick in towing capacity.
A Challenge for Tesla?
While Tesla continues to chase high-performance and luxury EV markets, Slate is making a bet on simplicity and affordability. It’s a play that could resonate deeply with younger drivers and first-time EV buyers, particularly those priced out of the premium EV segment.
With Bezos-linked funding and a clever production model, Slate may be positioned to shake up the EV pickup space before Tesla’s much-delayed Cybertruck even goes mainstream. And with a design that harks back to retro American trucks—compact, practical, and modifiable—Slate may be tapping into a nostalgic desire for straightforward vehicles in a market filled with tech-heavy complexity.
If Musk wasn’t paying attention before, he probably is now.
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