The Slate Auto modular truck was unveiled back in November 2025 and Ginny managed to get a sneak peek in the US to offer a definitive first take on the affordably positioned customisable electric truck. But now orders are open in the US and before the end of the year lucky buyers will get the first examples off the production line. 

But where did it all come from? You'd be forgiven for thinking that Slate has only been around for five minutes, but it was actually started in 2022 and has spent the intervening time getting all of its ducks (trucks?) in a row so that it can launch with a bang.

Here's everything we know so far about the new Slate truck's price, range, specifications, release date and customisation options.

What is the Slate truck?

Slate is an American EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos, ex-richest man in the world and ex-CEO of Amazon. The company was set up with the express purpose of making EVs a more affordable proposition for tradies and normal consumers alike.

Its new truck has managed that, going on sale as the cheapest electric one on the market. It's intended to be as cheap as you like and almost infinitely customisable, with a wide range of options you can get from Slate or have a go at yourself. 

How much does the Slate truck cost?

The starting price for the Slate is $24,950 (£18,895). That gets you the Blank Slate (no really) – the pure pickup version of the Slate with nothing added to it. And we mean nothing, there's no infotainment, no speakers fitted... but you can configure the thing almost endlessly to how you like it. 

If you don't like the pickup truck option, you can spend $5k and add a big square SUV roof onto the car, and if that's not rakish enough then another $2k on top of that will get you the coupe-SUV body. 

There's an 'Open Air kit' on the way soon that will allow you to turn the pickup version into a fun beach buggy convertible type thing. 

What range does the Slate truck manage?

You get a 63kWh usable LFP battery with the Slate, which makes for a 205-mile EPA range on the pickup version. Obviously with such a vast range of customisation options it's almost impossible to guess what your actual range might be. 

It was previously announced that the Slate would come with a smaller 53kWh battery and a larger 84kWh option, but that plan has clearly been jettisoned at some point. 

The Slate will charge on a North American NACS charger at 120kW for a 20–80% charging time of half an hour. There's 11kW AC charging as standard. 

Let's talk numbers shall we?

Let's – you've got 0–60mph in 8.0secs and a top speed of 90mph, the pickup will take a maximum payload of 1,550kg (300kg less for the SUV version) and is rated to tow up to 2,000kg. 

You've got 994 litres of storage in the pickup bed, which translates in the SUV to 963 litres of space seats up, 1,654 litres with the seats knocked down. We suspect that's been measured to the roof, for whatever difference that makes. 

When can I buy it?

If you're in Europe then boo hoo, it's not coming here, but if you're in the US then orders have already opened. There are 180,000 people ahead of you in the queue if you didn't give Slate some cash to hold your place, and those folks have 30 days to translate that queue spot into a non-refundable $300 deposit. 

Production will begin at Slate's Indiana factory later this year, with deliveries to start before the end of 2026.