There’s a plan to introduce a brand-new, U.S. built, clean sheet compact vehicle with a base price that could slide in just under $20,000 once the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is figured in.
The Slate is a small EV pickup truck prototype from a startup by the same name with a forecast base price right around $25,000.
It’s the smallest pickup we’ve seen introduced in the U.S. since probably the 1990s, or maybe even longer.
While some cool prototypes won’t necessarily translate into success, Slate does have some big names behind it. The CEO is Chris Barman, who is a former Fiat Chrysler executive, and a mechanical engineer by trade. The best known investor in Slate is Amazon Executive Chair Jeff Bezos, who also helped bankroll Rivian.
As far as the Slate pickup goes, it’s notable for what’s not included in the base model.
The base model has no electric windows, no infotainment system and none of the other giz-whiz stuff outside of what’s required by regulations. For example, it’s got a small digital speedometer that doubles as the backup camera when needed.
It’s the first truly entry level vehicle to be introduced here in the U.S. in years. Size-wise, it marks a return to the compact pickups we saw in the 70s and 80s. such as the 1985 Toyota Pickup SR5, which Slate uses as a comparison on its website.
In terms of specs, the bare bones version will feature a 52.7 kWh battery pack while a larger 84.3 kWh optional pack will be available for those that need extra range. Both will be RWD with 195 lb-ft of torque, 201 horsepower and a modest 1,000-pound tow rating.
The base battery is expected to have a range of about 150 miles while the larger battery is targeted for 240 miles. The bed length is 5-feet while the front trunk can store 7-cubic-feet.
An app is included along with the new NACS charging standard.
Although Slate is hoping to hook customers with a low base-price, plans call for plenty of optional features such as wraps, wheels, special lighting and two different kits to turn it into an SUV.
Slate is planning upwards of about 100 optional accessories, many of which will be do-it-yourself add ons.
It was designed in California and Michigan and is scheduled to be built in the Midwest, although Slate hasn’t officially announced a plant location.
Slate is now taking refundable $50 reservations with the first customer deliveries currently expected in late-2026.
As with any startup, alot could still go wrong. For starters, there’s a good chance we’ll see President Trump and Congress end the $7,500 EV tax credit before the Slate reaches production while tariffs could change the math that Slate has been banking on.
The idea of witnessing the return of a truly entry-level compact pickup certainly is appealing. Let’s hope Slate can make it happen.