2027 Slate Truck

The 2027 Slate Truck is unlike anything else on the market. It’s got neither touchscreen, nor fancy paintjob – it’s just a bare-bones electric pickup that’s being priced at $24,950, which makes it the most affordable new vehicle in the whole of America. In this article you’ll find everything you should know about this car.

What Is the Slate Truck?

The Slate Truck is a small, battery-electric pickup built around one core idea, which is simplicity. Unlike most modern vehicles, it deliberately omits features like infotainment screens, speakers, and power windows to keep costs down and complexity low. Every truck rolls off the line with an unpainted gray plastic exterior. A blank canvas that owners can personalize through accessories and vinyl wraps – or a “clean SLATE” if you will. It will also be available in two SUV variants: the Squareback and the Fastback. Both are converted from the base truck via bolt-on kits.

Who Makes the Slate Truck?

This upcoming battery-electric vehicle is manufactured by Slate Auto. The company was founded in 2022 by Jeff Wilkes, Miles Arnone, and Will Baker. They have raised over $1.3 billion in financing from investors. What’s more interesting is the fact that one of the investors was Amazon founder Jeff Bezos!

What’s the actual price of the Slate Truck?

The starting price is supposed to be $24,950 and go up to $33,000 depending on the trim and options you’d like to add. If you decide to go with one of the SUV bed cap accessories, the price should rise to $29,950 before destination.

Specs, Range and Performance

The 2027 Slate Truck runs on a single rear-mounted electric motor, which produces 181 hp, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels. It rides on a 65-kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery pack with 63 kWh of usable capacity. Despite the fact that an official EPA rating is still pending, Slate Auto estimates the range of 205 miles on a full charge.

There is no AWD option and no performance trim. All we have is just one powertrain, kept deliberately simple.

0–60 MPH and Real-World Driving

Slate Auto hasn't released an official 0–60 mph figure yet. That being said, early ride impressions suggest the electric motor's low-end torque makes it feel quicker off the line than the 181 hp figure implies. On the road, the unibody construction gives it a smoother, more car-like ride than a traditional body-on-frame pickup.

How Long Does It Take to Charge?

2027 Slate Truck uses a NACS port, which means that it has access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. It’s obvious that charging times basically vary by method we choose. Here’s a small comparison:

• Standard outlet ~ 17 hours (20-80%)
• Home charger ~ 4 hours (full charge)
  
• DC Fast Charging ~ 30 minutes (20-80%)

Towing and Payload Capacity

From what’s known for now, Slate Truck is rated to tow 2,000lb and its maximum payload capacity is 1,550lb.

Interior, Cargo, and Technology

The interior of the Slate Truck is about as minimal as it gets. There is no touchscreen, no built-in speakers, and no power windows. From what’s known we’ll be expected to use our own smartphone or tablet for navigation and media.

Storage is surprisingly practical for such a small vehicle. The 5ft bed handles up to 1,550lb of payload, while the front trunk (frunk) adds 7 cubic feet of additional cargo space, complete with a built-in drain plug.

Can the Slate Truck Convert Into an SUV?

Yes and it's one of the most unique features of the entire vehicle. Slate offers two bolt-on conversion kits that transform the base pickup into a full SUV:

• Squareback SUV, that adds rear seats, airbags, a roll cage, and a square roofline. Starts at an additional $5,000.
• Fastback SUV – same conversion with a sloped, fastback-style roof instead.

You can order both of these kits directly from the factory or purchase them separately and install at home with basic tools.

Customization and Accessories

Slate Auto calls the base truck the "Blank Slate" for a reason. At launch, over 200 accessories will be available through Slate's own "Slate Made" line and third-party partners, covering everything from exterior wraps and dash panels to seat covers and bed accessories. Buyers can even submit a custom wrap design for production. Inside, door cards, dash covers, and the center console can all be swapped out for different colors and materials.

Safety and Warranty

Despite its stripped-back approach, Slate Auto hasn't cut corners on safety. The truck is designed to achieve a five-star US NCAP crash rating and comes standard with traction control, electronic stability control, forward collision warning, and at least four airbags.

On the warranty side, Slate covers the battery and powertrain for 10 years or 110,000 miles. Servicing is handled through a network of over 3,000 RepairPal shops nationwide, including more than 100 locations equipped for high-voltage EV work. The vehicle is also designed to be DIY-friendly, with Slate U (the company's own repair guide) available to owners who prefer to handle maintenance themselves.

When Does the Slate Truck Go on Sale?

It’s said that the production of the Slate Trucks should begin in late 2026 (expected in Q4) and that they should hit the market as a 2027 model.

Will Slate deliver on its promises? An honest take

Alright, but now let's put aside all the hype. The parameters are clear, the price is set, and the reservations are piling up. But being the cheapest option on the market is one thing – being a good one is another. Here's what is worth mentioning.

What raises questions?

The base price of $24,950 sounds great but it doesn't include destination charges, taxes, or the accessories you'll probably want to add. The final number on your invoice will likely look quite different.

There's also the build quality question. Nobody expects premium materials at this price point, but there's a difference between "no-frills" and "won't last." The cheaper the car, the more questions arise about whether it can handle the demands of actual work – and that's exactly what most buyers will be putting it through.

Slate is also a brand-new manufacturer with no production history. That's a risk worth acknowledging, regardless of how promising the concept looks on paper. Even well-funded startups have struggled to deliver on their promises – and 180,000 reservations don't guarantee a smooth production rollout.

What truly makes sense about Slate trucks?

The lack of a screen doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. Most people use their phone for navigation and music anyway – and built-in infotainment systems tend to age faster than your phone does. The Slate doesn't come with CarPlay or Android Auto, but it does support Bluetooth connectivity as an add-on, along with a tablet mount if you want a bigger display. Since we're already used to managing everything through our phones, the transition feels less dramatic than it sounds.

The "Blank Slate" philosophy also feels genuinely fair. You pay for what you actually need, and if you want to add something later, you just order it online or purchase directly at the store. Most accessories are priced under $500, which keeps the whole ownership experience flexible and affordable.

The Bottom Line – How Does It Stack Up?

All in all, even though the company is fresh and their cars may hit people with an unusual feeling of lacking something inside, this is not the end of the world. Slate Trucks seem to be perfect for the people who want to do some light work and don’t need anything specific. It may be worth trying – if someone wants to upgrade their vehicle, you can just order the original part on Slate’s website and customize the car. This idea is awesome to be honest and that is why Slate Truck might be worth considering.