Slate is taking a radically simple approach to the electric vehicle market. The company’s Slate electric pickup truck is a compact, two-door model that is even shorter than a Honda Civic. Its minimalist design has attracted attention, particularly because base versions feature manual window cranks—a feature rarely seen in modern vehicles.
The Slate electric truck also takes a different path from EV manufacturers trying to match the range and features of gas-powered vehicles. It uses a compact 65-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack and offers an estimated maximum range of 205 miles. By comparison, the entry-level Tesla Model 3 can travel more than 320 miles on a single charge.
By accepting a shorter driving range and removing many features that American buyers typically expect, Slate can offer its base electric pickup truck for less than $25,000. Buyers can add optional upgrades, including Bluetooth audio systems, vinyl wraps, and power windows. Even with additional features, the Slate is expected to remain well below the average price of a new vehicle in the United States, which is approximately $50,000.
Although a small, affordable electric pickup may seem unusual in an increasingly large-vehicle market, the strategy could help Slate stand out as EV manufacturers face growing challenges. Several years ago, the Ford F-150 Lightning was viewed as a major symbol of electric vehicle adoption in the United States. Introduced in 2021, it became the country’s best-selling electric pickup truck.
Ford discontinued the F-150 Lightning in December 2025, only four years after its launch. The truck’s end was not solely the result of consumer demand. The second Trump administration also eliminated tax credits and other government incentives designed to encourage electric vehicle adoption.
Source: www.technologyreview.com