Our Top Pick: The Slate EV Pickup Base Truck
The Slate EV pickup is a compact, two-seat, electric truck under 25k that focuses on essential features, modular customization, and owner-installed upgrades instead of expensive built‑in tech, making it one of the most appealing budget EV truck options for price‑conscious buyers who want an affordable electric truck without paying for luxury extras. For most people, the clear recommendation is the base Slate EV pickup at USD 24,950 (approx. RM116,000), because it gives you electric truck ownership at a price point that undercuts typical EV trucks while leaving room in your budget to add only the accessories you care about. This two‑seater configuration is the heart of the lineup, and all other Slate variants build on the same core truck shell and philosophy. If you are comparing entry‑level EV trucks, start with this one and treat everything else as optional add‑ons.
Core Specs: What You Get for USD 24,950
The base Slate EV pickup keeps its hardware straightforward so the price stays low at USD 24,950 (approx. RM116,000) before destination fee(s). Instead of a large central touchscreen, you get a small digital cluster that shows speed, range, and basic driving information, plus a simple mount where you secure your smartphone for navigation and entertainment. There are no built‑in factory radios or speakers in the dash, and the windows use manual cranks rather than powered mechanisms. Importantly, the truck does include everyday comfort and safety features as standard: air conditioning, power door locks, cruise control, and a rearview camera come with the base vehicle. That mix of basic conveniences and stripped‑down tech is what allows Slate to hit electric truck under 25k territory, freeing you from paying for software‑heavy interfaces you might not want.
| Spec / Feature | Slate EV Pickup Base Truck | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 24,950 (approx. RM116,000) | Before destination fee(s) |
| Seating | Two seats | Convertible to SUV with kit |
| Infotainment | Small digital cluster, phone mount | No central touchscreen, no factory radio |
| Windows | Manual crank windows | Reduces complexity and cost |
| Comfort & Safety | AC, power door locks, cruise control, rearview camera standard | Included on base truck |
Customization: Wraps, Accessories, and DIY Upgrades
If you care about making a truck your own, Slate’s modular approach is the main reason to pick this affordable electric truck over more traditional options. The factory finish on the body panels is a neutral composite gray, intended as a blank canvas. Owners can choose from over 100 vinyl wrap colors and patterns, with several options priced over USD 499 (approx. RM2,300), instead of paying for a conventional paint job from the factory. Beyond color, the Slate web store lists over 200 accessories, most of which cost less than USD 500 (approx. RM2,300). These include roof racks, bed liners, lighting changes, interior trim, and audio systems that bolt or clip on with common tools. Slate supports this DIY ethos using free step‑by‑step guides and a video lesson library called Slate U, along with a network of independent repair shops for jobs beyond basic home installs.
Modular Body Options and Pre‑Order Reality
The same core Slate EV pickup platform can transform into other body styles when your needs change. You can convert the two‑seat truck into a five‑seat SUV using a kit that swaps body panels and adds rear seats, at a listed cost of about USD 5,000 (approx. RM23,000). The lineup also extends to a fastback SUV configuration with a higher starting price of approximately USD 31,950 (approx. RM149,000). According to one report, Slate Auto has accumulated more than 180,000 reservations from customers who placed earlier deposits. Pre‑orders for the current truck require a non‑refundable USD 300 (approx. RM1,400) payment, and production is ramping up at an assembly plant with deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter. Taken together, this shows that the Slate EV pickup is not a concept vehicle; it is an active product with a clear path from reservation to road use.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Slate EV pickup base truck if you want an affordable electric truck priced at USD 24,950 (approx. RM116,000) before destination fee(s).
- Skip the Slate EV pickup base truck if you prefer factory‑installed touchscreens, built‑in radios, and powered windows instead of a minimalist setup.
- Buy the Slate EV pickup base truck if you like the idea of over 100 vinyl wrap choices and more than 200 bolt‑on accessories for personalization.
- Skip the Slate EV pickup base truck if you do not plan to use its modular accessories, wraps, or DIY upgrade options and would rather have everything fixed from the factory.
- Buy the Slate EV pickup base truck if you are comfortable placing a non‑refundable USD 300 (approx. RM1,400) pre‑order to secure production.
- Skip the Slate EV pickup base truck if you are unsure about committing to a pre‑order with a non‑refundable payment and would rather wait for retail availability.
