Slate Automotive has officially entered the United States automotive market with a disruptive new offering: a budget-friendly, no-frills electric pickup truck that can transform into an SUV and back again. Set to launch in late 2026, this innovative vehicle targets practical buyers seeking versatility, affordability, and simplicity. Though the company hasn’t announced any plans for exports or an Australian release, its bold approach is already attracting significant attention. Notably, Slate Automotive is backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who made headlines for his support of Donald Trump’s successful 2024 presidential re-election campaign.
The company chose the name “Slate” to reflect the vehicle’s minimalist, adaptable nature — essentially a "blank slate" ready to be modified according to the owner’s needs. The base model is a stripped-down, two-door pickup riding on 17-inch steel wheels, featuring a wrapped exterior rather than traditional paint. Inside, it ditches high-end technology in favor of a utilitarian layout, omitting standard features like a built-in touchscreen in favor of a universal phone mount. However, a tablet is available as an optional accessory.
Slate’s standout feature is its modular design. The pickup can be converted into an SUV using various add-on kits. One showcased variation includes a Land Rover Defender-style SUV body with rear seats, offering space for up to five passengers. These SUV conversion kits include different design options for the rear, such as angular tailgates or boxier, flat-roofed canopies that resemble traditional off-road SUVs. Pricing for these kits and additional cabin customizations has not yet been disclosed.
In terms of dimensions, the Slate pickup measures 4435mm in length, 1793mm in width, and 1760mm in height — slightly smaller than models like the Ford Ranger. It features a 2766mm wheelbase and a tray with a 994-litre capacity. The cargo bed is 1089mm wide between the wheel wells and 1524mm long, which can extend to 2072mm with the tailgate down. The front cargo area, or “frunk,” adds another 198 litres of storage under the bonnet.
Powering the Slate is a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, producing 150kW and 264Nm. This enables acceleration from 0 to 97km/h in around 8 seconds and a top speed of 145km/h. The vehicle supports a payload of 650kg and can tow up to 454kg. It rides on coil-spring rear suspension for a balanced ride.
Two battery options are available: a 52.7kWh Standard battery with a range of 241km, and an 84.3kWh Extended battery offering up to 386km on a full charge. Using a 120kW rapid charger, drivers can expect a 20–80% recharge in under 30 minutes. The specific battery type and origin have not been revealed.
The base model Slate is priced at $US27,500, though incentives could reduce the cost to as low as $US20,000 — positioning it as the most affordable EV in the US market, even undercutting the Nissan Leaf. Assembly will take place in the American Midwest, which may shield the model from import tariffs. Slate Automotive plans to produce 150,000 units annually and is accepting $50 reservations through its website, following a direct-to-consumer model similar to Tesla, and brands like Honda and Mercedes-Benz in Australia.