Slate Auto CEO Outlines Vision for Affordable EV Truck

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With the average cost of a new car now edging closer to $50,000, the dream of affordable transportation is slipping away for many Americans. Basic, reliable vehicles—the kind that get you from point A to point B without a hefty price tag—have become increasingly rare in today’s auto market, especially as automakers push high-tech, high-priced models onto consumers.

Slate Auto, a new Michigan-based electric vehicle (EV) startup backed by Jeff Bezos, is setting out to rewrite the rules. Slate’s first product, an electric pickup truck starting at $25,000, and potentially less than $20,000 with federal EV tax credits, could be precisely the antidote America’s car buyers are desperately seeking. CEO Chris Barman, a veteran of Fiat-Chrysler (FCA), believes Slate’s approach could fill a gaping hole left by both traditional automakers and electric disruptors.

The average price of an electric vehicle in the U.S. today is $59,000. Electric pickups? Even worse, trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T regularly top $100,000 for higher-trim models. For everyday Americans, the idea of owning an electric vehicle (EV) often feels more like a fantasy than a feasible option.

Slate’s offering is a radical departure from this trend. Their base truck, priced at $25,000, will come standard with 150 miles of range—more than enough for the vast majority of daily driving needs. No frills, no unnecessary tech add-ons that drive the price sky-high. Just basic, reliable transportation in an electric package. If Slate can pull this off, it will achieve what no other EV company has managed so far.

One of  Slate’s most refreshing ideas is its focus on simplicity and modularity. Their base truck is designed to be what they call a “blank slate," a bare-bones vehicle that gives buyers the freedom to add features as needed, based on their budget and requirements.

Slate isn’t just innovating in the design of its vehicles; it’s rethinking the entire ownership experience.

Since Slate plans to sell vehicles directly to consumers—bypassing traditional dealership networks—it doesn’t have to sustain a web of service departments. That frees Slate to encourage DIY upgrades in a way no other major automaker would dare. Slate is launching “Slate University,” an online series of instructional videos that will walk owners through everything from installing power windows to adding rear seats and airbags for the SUV conversion.

For those less inclined to DIY, Slate also plans to partner with local facilities that can perform upgrades professionally, creating a hybrid model of service that supports different kinds of buyers.

This dual model is brilliant. It keeps initial costs low, supports personal empowerment, and still leaves room for professional service when needed, without inflating costs for everyone.

One of the most exciting aspects of  Slate’s vision is its view of the vehicle as a platform, not just a finished product. You might buy the base model as a young, single adult with limited income. A few years down the line, after getting married or starting a family, instead of trading in for a completely different vehicle, you upgrade your existing Slate truck.

Slate plans to begin customer deliveries at the end of 2026, with production set to take place at a yet-to-be-announced facility located in the Midwest. Reservations are now open, requiring a refundable deposit of just $50.

Given the hype and the desperate need for affordable EVs, it’s a safe bet that Slate will have a very full order book well before production ramps up.

Beyond the specs and the price tag,  Slate’s  mission is about something bigger: restoring freedom and mobility to a growing segment of Americans who feel increasingly priced out of the modern car market.

Chris Barman, who grew up on a farm and fondly remembers driving an old 1984 Ford Ranger with manual everything, understands firsthand the importance of basic, reliable vehicles. She brings a refreshing dose of practicality and empathy to a tech-heavy industry often obsessed with luxury features and sky-high margins.

As vehicles become ever more complex and expensive, Slate’s focus on affordable, upgradeable, and owner-friendly EVs feels almost revolutionary. It’s a throwback to a time when cars were simpler, yes—but it’s also a leap forward into a future where electric vehicles are truly for everyone, not just for the wealthy few.

If Slate can deliver on its promises, it won’t just be selling trucks. It will revive the American dream of car ownership and help reshape the future of electric mobility in the process.

Slate is super exciting for many reasons, but its low cost will be the most game-changing of all. Already high vehicle prices, for powertrains of all types, are set to increase significantly due to tariffs, the biggest economic mistake in American history.

Now, more than ever, America needs more affordable vehicles. Slate’s stripped-down, customizable, and upgradable platform is precisely what is needed right now.

EV prices in the United States remain higher than those of their gas-powered counterparts. With this entry, Slate will compete with gas-powered models on price. Furthermore, no gas-powered model currently has, or is reported to be planning to have, Slate’s multitude of upgradeable, customizable features. The ability to convert a two-seater truck to a five-seat SUV is revolutionary, and the many benefits of this exciting vehicle are astounding.

Slate will likely be the push America needs to finally enter mass electric vehicle (EV) adoption, as it is currently far behind the rest of the world in this regard.