Who will win the EV pickup war? With Tesla stalled and Rivian catering to the elite, a stealthy contender just roared into the spotlight—and it’s not what anyone expected. Enter Slate, the Bezos-backed underdog promising a $25,000 electric truck so stripped-down, so customizable, and so American it might just flip the auto industry on its head. With DIY flair, crank windows, and a price tag half that of competitors, the Slate Truck isn’t chasing luxury—it’s gunning for dominance. Can a no-frills slate gray pickup built for the working class become the unexpected MVP of the electric revolution?
Data Table: Slate Truck vs. EV Pickup Competitors
| Feature | Slate Truck | Tesla Cybertruck | Rivian R1T | Ford Maverick (Gas) |
| Starting Price (Est.) | $25,000 ($20K w/ credit) | $60,990 | $69,900 | $26,995 |
| Drivetrain | RWD, Single Motor | AWD, Tri Motor Option | AWD, Quad Motor Option | FWD or AWD |
| Range (Base / Max) | 150 / 240 miles | 250 / 500+ miles | 270 / 328 miles | 400+ miles (Gas) |
| Payload Capacity | 1,433 lbs | ~3,500 lbs | 1,760 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Tow Capacity | 1,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs | 4,000 lbs |
| Infotainment | BYOD (Bring Your Device) | 18.5” Touchscreen | 15.6” Touchscreen | 8” Touchscreen |
| DIY Modularity | 100+ Accessories, SUV Kit | Minimal | Moderate | Minimal |
| Color Options | 1 (Slate Gray) | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
| Production Start | Late 2026 | 2023 | 2021 | Available Now |
| Made in USA | Yes (Planned Midwest) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Takeaways & Forecasts:
- Slate’s underdog advantage lies in simplicity, price, and mass appeal—this isn’t a truck for Silicon Valley; it’s for every driveway in middle America.
- Customization is king. By leaning into DIY upgrades and modular designs, Slate rewrites the EV playbook. Expect copycats if it succeeds.
- Timing is everything. Launching in 2026 could be risky, especially if EV tax credits vanish or Trump’s tariffs intensify, but if Slate delivers on price and production, it may become the anti-Tesla America’s been waiting for.
- Don’t underestimate a blank slate. With Bezos backing and a low bar for entry, this no-frills pickup could be the breakout star of an EV market desperate for affordability.
Stay tuned—because the race isn’t just about horsepower anymore. It’s about who really understands the future of driving.