Slate Auto’s first model breaks away from the oversized, high-priced trend dominating the electric truck scene. Designed as a minimalist two-seat pickup, it carries a price tag that undercuts not just premium EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck but also budget-oriented trucks like the Ford Maverick. At just 25,000 USD, Slate is targeting a market segment that has long been overlooked in the EV world.

To make the business model viable, Slate plans to build out a lifestyle ecosystem around the truck. This includes selling accessories and apparel that allow customers to personalize both their vehicles and their look. By generating additional revenue from these products, Slate hopes to balance out the slim margins of a low-cost vehicle while creating a strong brand presence.

Founded in 2022, Slate Auto operates under Re: Build Manufacturing, a company tied to Jeff Bezos. The startup is already making waves by assembling a powerhouse team drawn from automotive giants like Ford, General Motors, Harley-Davidson, and Stellantis. According to job listings and lobbying records, the company is preparing for production near Indianapolis, aiming for a late 2026 launch.

Despite entering the EV space during a period of market uncertainty, Slate Auto is betting on simplicity, affordability, and smart branding. With Bezos’ financial muscle and a team of industry veterans behind it, the company is positioning its first vehicle as a modern interpretation of iconic cars like the Ford Model T, mass-market, minimal, and ready for a new electric era.