Buy Now, Upgrade Later: Slate's $25,000 Truck Changes the Perspective on Electric Vehicles.
Slate, a new electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, aims to launch an electric pickup truck valued at $25,000, which will be upgradable.
A new electric vehicle manufacturer, discreetly backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, is emerging in Michigan with a bold proposal. Slate Auto plans not only to develop a car but seeks to redefine the concept of an electric vehicle (EV) company. This startup has operated in the shadows since 2022, until its existence was revealed through a specialized media outlet.
Slate Auto moves away from the traditional approach that prioritizes luxury vehicles and instead focuses on a more accessible market, which is what most consumers truly desire. Rather than presenting a luxury model, their goal is to create an affordable two-seat electric truck, priced at just $25,000. This price is even lower than that of some customized golf carts in certain areas.
Slate's strategy contrasts with that of other manufacturers like Tesla, Lucid, BMW, and Rivian, who began by offering high-end models to establish their brand and fund more economical vehicles in the future. Slate, on the other hand, bets on the vehicle that people really want and intends to evolve as the customer wishes.
Their proposal is not limited to offering a cheap car. It is about a modular and upgradable EV that can be customized over time. The base model can be purchased now, and later performance, technology, or lifestyle upgrades can be added, allowing owners to build their ideal vehicle over time. This philosophy is reflected in their slogan: "We build it. You make it."
Another notable aspect of their plan is the sale of accessories and add-ons, similar to what brands like Harley-Davidson and Jeep do. This means that when acquiring a vehicle, users are also buying a lifestyle. Slate combines the accessibility of an EV with the open-source car culture and customization.
Unlike other startups that face difficulties due to their ambitious plans, Slate maintains an efficient, scalable, and customer-focused approach. The company intends to source key components, such as batteries and motors, from external suppliers, allowing them to keep manufacturing costs low and focus their efforts on design and customer experiences.
With production scheduled to begin near Indianapolis next year, the unveiling of Slate Auto is set to surprise the market. In a sector dominated by high-end electric vehicles, Slate's philosophy of "start small and scale with the customer" could provide the innovative push that the industry needs.
