Automotive
When we first covered the Slate truck’s leaked pricing, the big takeaway was its surprisingly low projected $24,950 starting point. Now, Slate has confirmed the official starting price for its bare-bones electric pickup, and the number lands at $26,400 once the mandatory $1,450 destination charge is included. That still positions the “Blank Slate” as one of the most affordable new pickups expected to reach the U.S. market, though the final price depends heavily on how much personalization buyers add.
The confirmed base truck sticks closely to the simple formula that made the original price leak so interesting. Slate plans to sell the truck directly to consumers, avoiding the traditional dealership model, and the base version keeps things intentionally minimal. Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Slate estimates a 0-to-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 90 mph, which should be enough for local commuting, light-duty truck work, and around-town utility.
One important update since our earlier coverage is battery size and range. Slate now says the truck will use a 63-kWh LFP battery pack, raising the expected driving range to 205 miles compared with the original 150-mile estimate. Charging is handled through a NACS port on the left rear fender, giving the truck compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network. DC fast charging is expected to peak at 120 kW, while the 11-kW onboard AC charger can recharge the battery on Level 2 equipment in about four hours under ideal conditions.
Slate is also leaning hard into modularity. The base pickup is just the starting point, with buyers able to convert the truck into a Squareback SUV for $31,400 or a Fastback SUV for $33,400. Both SUV versions add a rear seat and enclosed cargo area, while the Fastback brings a sloped-roof look. Slate says many of the available upgrades will be user-installable, including wraps, accessories, and even the SUV conversion kit, which gives owners the ability to build the truck out over time rather than paying for everything upfront.
Customization is where the Slate could become either a bargain or something far more expensive. All trucks start in the same basic color, with finishes applied through wraps at the end of the production line. Slate expects around 100 colors at launch, with some wrap options priced at $499, while more elaborate finishes and graphics cost more. Buyers will also be able to add items such as auxiliary lighting, grille designs, fender flares, roof racks, spare tire carriers, wheels, interior storage, speakers, floor mats, and suspension upgrades like a lift or lowering kit.
That long options list can push the price up quickly. While the $26,400 base price is the headline, a heavily optioned Fastback SUV build can approach $48,000 once enough accessories, wheels, lighting, wraps, and interior items are selected. Slate says a large portion of its accessories will remain relatively affordable, with many priced under $500, but the truck’s build-it-your-way approach clearly rewards buyers who keep things simple.
As a follow-up to our earlier pricing leak coverage, the biggest news is that Slate largely delivered on the promise of a low entry price while improving the battery and range story. The truck is not trying to compete with full-size EV pickups on towing, speed, luxury, or tech overload. Instead, it is shaping up to be a basic, affordable, highly customizable electric pickup that can grow with the owner. If Slate can keep production on track and preserve that base-price discipline, the Blank Slate could become one of the more interesting new EVs for buyers who want utility without the bloated price tag.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
