Secretive startup unveils barebones EV truck for $20k

Secretive startup Slate, reportedly backed in part by Jeff Bezos, last week unveiled the creatively named Truck, a no-frills EV pickup starting around $20,000 if the federal EV tax incentive is still in place when the Michigan-based company begins production in late 2026.

The Truck—which at this pricepoint would be ~$5,000 cheaper than any other EV sold in the US—is a minimalist creation likened to the flip phone of electric cars that comes with two seats, hand-crank windows, and 150 miles of range (with the option for up to 240). And make sure to pack your JBL Pill. There’s no infotainment system—meaning no radio, Bluetooth, or speakers.

A blank Slate by design

Everything about Slate’s manufacturing process is centered around reducing cost.

• Not needing metal stamping or paint jobs—the company will instead offer wrap options—saved the startup $350 million-$500 million, CEO Chris Barman told WIRED.
• Slate also plans to manufacture the trucks in Indiana, per TechCrunch, allowing it to avoid auto tariffs.

The secret weapon: Buyers can add 100+ accessories to the Truck, including a modular roof that transforms it into a five-seater SUV. Installation can be done either as a DIY project (aided by the not-yet-created Slate University) or by professionals at Slate’s (also not-yet-existent) service centers.

Interested? You can reserve one for a refundable $50 deposit on the company’s website.