Slate's Electric Truck Is Now Official: $24,950 Starting Price and Impressive Upgrades
After months of anticipation, leaks, and a few pricing surprises, Slate has officially pulled back the curtain on its electric pickup truck. The Bezos-backed EV startup announced Wednesday morning that its bare-bones electric truck will carry a starting price of $24,950, while the "Squareback" and "Fastback" SUV variants will begin at $29,950. But the price tag isn't the only headline here. Slate has also quietly upgraded the truck's range, towing capacity, and payload figures — making this one of the more compelling budget EV announcements in recent memory.
Whether you've been following Slate since its debut or are just now discovering this minimalist electric pickup, there's a lot to unpack. Let's break down what's changed, what it means for buyers, and whether this truck is still worth getting excited about.
How Slate Got to $24,950 — and Why That's Higher Than First Promised
Long-time followers of Slate will remember that the company originally dangled a jaw-dropping sub-$20,000 price point when it first revealed the truck. That number generated enormous buzz and positioned the vehicle as a potential game-changer for the EV market. Unfortunately, that figure was never the whole story.
The original under-$20,000 promise was calculated after applying federal electric vehicle tax incentives — credits that are no longer available in the current political and legislative landscape. The EV tax credit situation in the United States has shifted significantly, and Slate simply can't factor those savings into its base pricing the way it once could. So while inflation hasn't helped, the disappearance of EV incentives bears a large share of the responsibility for the price increase.
At $24,950, the Slate truck is still one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the American market, particularly in the pickup segment. Rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Chevy Silverado EV start well above $40,000, making Slate's offering look like a relative bargain — even if expectations need to be calibrated accordingly.
Range Gets a Major Boost: 205 Miles Instead of 150
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise in Slate's official announcement is what happened to the truck's driving range. The company originally projected roughly 150 miles of range for the electric pickup, which was workable but left some consumers uneasy. That number has now been upgraded significantly.
Slate is now claiming 205 miles of range from a 65-kilowatt-hour battery pack (63 kWh usable). That's a substantial improvement — a 55-mile jump — that transforms the truck's real-world usability. For commuters, small business owners, or weekend adventurers who stay within a reasonable radius, 205 miles is genuinely practical. Charging stops become less of a concern, and range anxiety takes a meaningful step back.
Slate hasn't released a separate range estimate for the Squareback or Fastback SUV variants yet, but given that they share the same platform, the numbers are expected to be in a similar ballpark. Official EPA estimates, when they arrive, will paint a clearer picture.
Towing and Payload Capacity Upgraded Too
Range wasn't the only spec that got a glow-up. Slate has also improved the truck's towing and payload figures, giving the platform more versatility for buyers who actually intend to use this as a working vehicle.
- Tow Capacity: The Slate truck can now tow up to 2,000 pounds — a solid number for a vehicle in this class and price range. That's enough to haul a small trailer, a personal watercraft, or a compact camper.
- Payload Capacity: The bed can handle up to 1,550 pounds of cargo, making the truck genuinely useful for hauling materials, equipment, or supplies.
- GVWR: The truck has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 5,689 pounds.
- Curb Weight: At 4,048 pounds, the Slate truck is notably heavier than some expected for a "bare-bones" build — which means operators will need to keep an eye on total weight when fully loaded.
The curb weight figure does carry a caveat: with the truck weighing 4,048 lbs and a GVWR of 5,689 lbs, the remaining margin for passengers, cargo, and gear is about 1,641 lbs. Between the driver, passengers, and any bed load, it won't take long to approach that limit on a work-heavy day. Buyers who plan to push the payload capacity regularly should factor that math into their decision.
What Does "Bare Bones" Actually Mean?
Slate has been upfront that its truck is, by design, a stripped-down vehicle. This is a deliberate part of the brand identity — offering an affordable foundation that owners can customize rather than paying upfront for features they may never use. Think crank windows, no touchscreen, and a no-frills interior that prioritizes function over luxury.
That philosophy has a real audience. Small business owners, farmers, tradespeople, and budget-conscious drivers who need a capable workhorse — not a tech-laden lifestyle vehicle — may find Slate's approach genuinely appealing. The customization angle also gives buyers the freedom to upgrade over time rather than all at once.
Slate's SUV Variants: Squareback and Fastback at $29,950
For those who want more utility or a different body style, Slate's "Squareback" and "Fastback" SUV variants enter the picture at $29,950. These versions share the same platform as the pickup but offer enclosed cargo areas suited to different lifestyles. While detailed specs for the SUVs remain limited, the shared architecture with the truck suggests comparable performance and range figures.
Is the Slate Truck Still Worth the Hype?
The honest answer is: it depends on what you're looking for. If you entered the Slate conversation expecting a sub-$20,000 electric truck loaded with modern amenities, you'll likely walk away disappointed. The price is higher than promised, and the minimalist design philosophy isn't for everyone.
But if you're in the market for an affordable, functional, American-made electric pickup with a respectable 205-mile range, 2,000-pound tow rating, and a starting price that undercuts almost every other EV truck on the market, Slate is still a compelling proposition. The upgrades to range and towing capacity show that the company is listening and refining its product as it moves toward production.
Whether Slate can deliver on its promises — and at scale — remains the bigger question. But for now, the official announcement represents a meaningful step forward for one of the most talked-about EV startups in years.