Michigan-based EV startup Slate is turning heads with its minimalist flagship truck, priced at an aggressive $24,950 base rate. By stripping away non-essential features like automatic windows and speakers, the company aims to tackle the elevated price barrier currently plaguing the electric vehicle market. Yet, despite offering hundreds of customization options, vinyl wraps, and accessories, the build-your-own vehicle lacks a major feature that traditional truck buyers heavily rely on.
Performance-wise, the vehicle packs a 135 kW motor delivering 181 horsepower, 195 ft-lb of torque, and a 2,000-pound towing capacity, putting it on par with the hybrid Ford Maverick. Its 205-mile range meets modest daily needs, but the primary sticking point for trucking purists is the commitment to a rear-wheel drive setup. While community forum posts hint that all-wheel drive is on the drawing board for future models to accommodate snowier climates and tougher job sites, Slate has not officially confirmed these plans.
Opting exclusively for rear-wheel drive allows the manufacturer to keep costs low and avoid the maintenance expenses and efficiency drops associated with powering all four wheels. Because the company positions its truck and SUV variants as everyday utility vehicles rather than heavy-duty off-road haulers, the drivetrain choice aligns with its core philosophy of practicality. Pre-orders are currently open with a $300 deposit, and initial deliveries scheduled out of the Warsaw, Indiana, factory starting in late 2026 and July 2027.
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