Meet Slate: The Affordable Electric Truck That’s Our Top Pick
Slate is a rear‑wheel‑drive electric pickup built around a minimalist, modular platform that starts as a two‑seat work truck and can be upgraded into different body styles and comfort levels, offering 205 miles of range, a 65 kWh LFP battery, and pricing from USD 24,950 (approx. RM115,800) for buyers who want an EV truck under $25000 without tech bloat or unnecessary extras. For most budget‑conscious drivers, the base “Blank Slate” configuration is the best choice: you get a practical affordable electric truck with a spacious cargo bed, 1,550 lb payload, basic interior, and the freedom to add only the accessories you value later. Backed by Jeff Bezos and pitched as an anti‑bloatware Slate electric pickup, this truck targets the same wallet as compact gas trucks like the Ford Maverick while undercutting them on entry price and matching them on core utility.
Pricing and Configurations: Blank Slate vs SUV Kits
Slate’s biggest advantage is its transparent, modular pricing structure that lets you start cheap and grow the vehicle with your needs. The Blank Slate base 2‑seat utility pickup is USD 24,950 (approx. RM115,800), giving you the EV truck under $25000 that defines this segment. From there, you can turn the truck into a family hauler: the Squareback SUV kit (5‑seat utility SUV) is USD 29,950 (approx. RM139,000), while the more aerodynamic Fastback SUV kit is USD 31,950 (approx. RM148,400). There’s also an Open Air Kit with a modular open‑body style, though pricing is still to be announced. On top of these, over 100 electric truck customization accessories are available, and a well‑equipped “sweet spot” build with alloy wheels, all‑terrain tyres, power windows, and a Bluetooth speaker came to USD 28,049 (approx. RM130,200).
| Configuration | What It Is | Price (USD / approx. RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Blank Slate pickup | Base 2-seat utility EV pickup | $24,950 / approx. RM115,800 |
| Squareback SUV kit | 5-seat utility SUV conversion | $29,950 / approx. RM139,000 |
| Fastback SUV kit | 5-seat aerodynamic SUV conversion | $31,950 / approx. RM148,400 |
| Example "sweet spot" build | Blank Slate with key comfort and styling add-ons | $28,049 / approx. RM130,200 |
Specs and Everyday Use: How Slate Stacks Up to Gas Pickups
Under the skin, Slate runs a single rear‑drive motor rated at 150 kW (201 hp) and 264 Nm (195 lb‑ft) of torque, fed by a 65 kWh LFP battery with about 63 kWh usable capacity. That delivers an estimated 205 miles of range, which hits the sweet spot for urban commuting and weekend hauling. Payload is a strong 703 kg (1,550 lb), beating the base Ford Maverick’s 1,500 lb rating while towing capacity is 907 kg (2,000 lb), matching many compact gas trucks in this price class. Top speed is 145 km/h (90 mph) with a 0–100 km/h time of roughly 8 seconds, which is perfectly adequate for daily driving. Charging is handled through a NACS port: Level 1 (3.6 kW) takes around 11 hours from 20–100%, Level 2 (11 kW) cuts that to under 5 hours, and DC fast charging at 120 kW can deliver 20–80% in under 30 minutes.
Design Philosophy and Customisation: Anti‑Bloatware by Choice
Slate’s cabin is the opposite of the screen‑filled, feature‑stuffed interiors that push EV prices upward. There are steel wheels, manual crank windows, physical HVAC controls, a universal phone mount with USB power where a giant infotainment display would sit, and a large frunk plus spacious cargo area with a standard 1,400 lb payload. This stripped‑back approach is deliberate: the vehicle is factory‑built in one basic configuration, and you handle electric truck customization yourself with more than 100 accessories, from wraps in three levels of coverage to audio upgrades and the SUV kit that adds a roll cage, extra airbags, and a rear seat. According to Slate Auto’s president of vehicles, “The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” and this truck is their answer, backed by Jeff Bezos to “put the power back in the hands of customers that have been ignored by the auto industry.”
Who Slate Is For (and Who Should Stick With Gas)
Slate is made for drivers who prioritise low purchase cost, simple hardware, and the freedom to personalise their truck over time. If you want a nimble, ultra‑cheap daily tradie‑style runabout for suburbs and light work, the specs are compelling: strong payload, solid towing for its class, and a range that covers most commutes comfortably. It directly targets budget gas pickups like the Ford Maverick, undercutting the Maverick’s USD 28,145 (approx. RM131,000) starting price while matching or beating basic work capability. The trade‑offs are clear: you lose factory creature comforts and high‑end tech, and the stripped‑back Blank Slate on steel wheels with manual windows will feel too spartan for many buyers. It also will not replace large diesel trucks hauling heavy caravans or trailers across long distances, where traditional engines and higher towing limits still dominate.
- Buy the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you want the most affordable electric truck with 205 miles of range and strong payload for urban work.
- Skip the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you expect plush interiors, built‑in giant touchscreens, and high‑end infotainment from day one.
- Buy the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you prefer customisation and plan to add only the accessories—like alloy wheels, power windows, or SUV kits—you actually use.
- Skip the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you need to tow far heavier loads than 907 kg (2,000 lb) or replace a big diesel workhorse with maximum towing.
- Buy the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you are cross‑shopping compact gas trucks like the Ford Maverick and want to undercut their starting price while matching their basic utility.
- Skip the Slate Blank Slate pickup if you dislike manual, stripped‑back cabins and would rather pay more upfront for a fully loaded traditional pickup.
