Electric vehicle startup Slate Auto may have made headlines with its ultra-affordable electric pickup, but it has no plans to stop. In a recent interview with InsideEVsCEO Chris Barman said the company’s first model, a stripped-down electric truck expected to cost in the “mid-$20,000s,” still needs a final price and production ramp-up, but Slate is committed to building more electric vehicles beyond its debut model.
The first Slate truck, a compact, rear-engine, two-door electric pickup with an optional extended-range battery, has quickly become one of the electric vehicles to look forward to, with production expected to begin near the end of 2026 at a plant in the US Midwest. Slate reported more than 150,000 refundable reservations late last year, roughly in line with the company’s targeted maximum annual production once production peaks in 2027.
Ambitious roadmap beyond the pickup
Although the actual price has not yet been determined, Barman told reporters that developing tools that deliver the lowest possible MSRP remains a high priority. Even without final pricing, the slate truck’s design philosophy is clear: less complexity and more customer-focused customization. Buyers can start with a basic “blank slate” and add accessories like wraps, wheels or even a kit to convert the truck into a five-seat SUV for an additional cost.
This modular, customer-centric mindset could also influence the models Slate wants to explore next. Barman said Slate isn’t limiting its ambitions to just one electric vehicle: As the company learns from production, sales and customer feedback, it hopes to expand its product lineup. This could also include other body styles or vehicle segments, maintaining the startup’s focus on affordability and simplicity, although details and timelines are still unconfirmed.
Slate’s approach stands in stark contrast to most mainstream EV manufacturers, which often release high-end models before rolling out features to cheaper trim levels. Slate flipped that script by initially releasing a simple truck with minimal features: a move that drew both attention and skepticism. If successful, the startup could carve out a niche among buyers who value price and practicality over luxury extras. Whether Slate will deliver a broader range of vehicles will depend on production levels, supplier relationships and demand consistency over the next few years. But the CEO’s public statements clearly signal that the company wants to be a platform for practical, cost-effective electric mobility across multiple vehicle types.
