SouthernWorldwide.com – Slate Auto is embarking on a mission to achieve what Ford Motor Company couldn’t: convincing drivers to transition from their gasoline-powered pickup trucks to an electric alternative.
On Wednesday, Slate began accepting preorders with a $300 deposit for its base electric pickup truck, priced at $24,950. This price point is less than half the average cost of a new electric vehicle, which hovers around $57,000, and significantly lower than the average new car price of $49,000.
The company anticipates that deliveries of the Slate truck will commence in late 2026.
The electric vehicle (EV) market has experienced a turbulent period recently. Demand has seen a decline following the conclusion of a tax subsidy for electric vehicles in 2025, leading more consumers to favor more affordable gasoline-powered vehicles.
In December, Ford announced the cessation of production for the electric variant of its highly popular F-150 pickup truck. Ford CEO Jim Farley stated that continuing to invest in a product that was not profitable was not a viable strategy.
Slate, which also manufactures an electric SUV, is banking on its competitive pricing strategy to attract buyers who may be hesitant about electric vehicles.
“A Slate Truck is $24,950. Because America asked for an affordable new truck,” the company declared on social media on Wednesday.
Startup automaker Slate, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is now be taking preorders for its $24,950 electric pickup truck.
Slate
However, the Slate Truck is likely to encounter significant challenges. Its driving range of 205 miles is considered relatively short for an electric vehicle, which might deter some consumers, especially when competing electric cars on the market offer substantially greater range.
Furthermore, the truck’s towing capacity is limited to 1,000 pounds, which is considerably less than what other pickup trucks can handle.
“A Slate Truck is $24,950. Because America asked for an affordable new truck,” the company said Wednesday on social media.
“The Slate Truck represents a genuine test of how much affordability continues to influence today’s buyers,” commented Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ director of insights, via email. “While the base price is the main talking point, this entry-level price point is coupled with an unconventional build and a powertrain that has proven more challenging to sell in the current market.”
Drury further elaborated, “The critical question is whether the attractive price alone can surmount these obstacles.”
