In April 2025, Slate Auto emerged from secrecy, making a significant entrance into the automotive sector with plans to manufacture an affordably priced, customizable electric pickup truck. This innovative startup, nurtured with funding from notable figures such as Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, has been quietly operating in Troy, Michigan, for three years — strategically situated near major car manufacturers like Ford and General Motors.
TechCrunch broke the story on April 8, revealing Slate’s ambitious goal of launching an electric pickup starting around $25,000. The company’s approach, focusing on deep customizability, stems from the expertise of its team, many of whom previously worked at Harley-Davidson and Chrysler. By April 10, the first sightings of Slate’s prototype in California drew public attention, confirming its presence in the electric vehicle market.
As the weeks progressed, Slate generated excitement by showcasing vehicle prototypes on public roads, teasing “Transformer-like” modular capabilities intended to enhance consumer customization. At its launch event on April 24, Slate unveiled the baseline model of its electric truck, which, despite a basic configuration that offered 150 miles of range and minimal features, promised extensive personalised options for buyers.
The company quickly secured a location for production in a dormant printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, signalling its commitment to bringing the product to market. By May 12, Slate celebrated a milestone of over 100,000 refundable reservations, indicating strong demand for its low-cost vehicle concept.
However, challenges emerged after the Trump administration proposed an end to the federal EV tax credit, which would impact Slate’s pricing strategy. As the situation developed, the company decided to remove its “under $20,000” pricing stance from marketing materials in light of this uncertainty.
Despite setbacks, Slate’s popularity surged; as of December 2025, the startup had surpassed 150,000 reservations, reflecting a robust interest in the market despite fluctuations in EV growth. The lack of competition at the lower end of the electric vehicle market has positioned Slate favourably for its upcoming commercial launch, slated for late 2026.
In a recent executive shift, March 2026 saw a new CEO, Peter Faricy, appointed to lead the company towards its goal of transforming reservations into actual orders, while former CEO Chris Barman transitioned to a new role as President of Vehicles. As Slate Auto gears up for production, all eyes remain on this intriguing contender in the electric vehicle industry.
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