Bezos-backed Slate Auto Reveals Anti Tesla Budget EV truck

• Omar Faruq


• 15 May 2025

A new name is shaking up the electric vehicle world—and it’s not Tesla. Say hello to Slate Auto, a fresh American EV startup with a bold idea: an EV truck that’s affordable, simple, and built for the everyday driver. And guess what? It’s backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos through his private investment firm.

A Budget EV Truck

Last month, Slate Auto revealed a vehicle that’s turning heads for all the right reasons. It’s a budget-friendly electric pickup truck, Blank Slate, priced at just $20,000—yes, really. And with the federal tax credit the starting price could fall under $20,000.

This isn’t your typical futuristic, tech-packed EV. In fact, it’s the complete opposite of what you’d expect from Tesla. That’s why many are calling it the “anti-Tesla” EV.

Here’s what makes it different:

• Manual windows
• No main infotainment screen
• No paint (it comes in a raw, unpainted exterior)
• Highly customizable
• Transformable design—it can switch from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV and back, no mechanic needed

Minimalist, Modular & Massively Popular

The truck is all about keeping things simple and letting you choose what you need. Slate’s approach is inspired by old-school ideas with a modern twist—think of it like a next-gen Saturn. Plastic body panels, optional features (even speakers), and no fancy manufacturing like Tesla’s gigacasting.

This strategy has worked. Big time.

Just two weeks after launch, Slate announced they’ve already received 100,000 reservations. That’s an enormous response for a previously unknown company. And it only costs $50 to reserve one—fully refundable.

What really stands out is the transformable design. Customers will not stuck with choice of body style. Slate lets you change the vehicle from a compact pickup to a roomy SUV and back whenever you like—no special tools or certification required.

That kind of flexibility is nearly unheard of in the auto world. To go along with that, Slate is launching with over 100 accessories to customize your ride. Not sure what to pick? They’ve got curated “starter packs” to help you out.

What’s Under the Hood (or Frunk)

Let’s get into the specs. Here’s what you get with the base model:

• Wheelbase: 108.9 inches
• Length: 174.6 inches
• Battery: 52.7kWh
• Range: ~150 miles
• Motor: 150kW motor powering the rear axle
• Charging Port: North American Charging Standard (yes, the same one Tesla uses)
• Wheels: 17-inch
• Truck Bed: 5-foot
• Payload Capacity: 1,400 pounds
• Towing Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Front Trunk (Frunk): 7 cubic feet, with a drain—for drinks or tailgating!

For those who want more distance, Slate also offers a larger battery pack that boosts range to about 240 miles.

One thing to note: the towing capacity is on the lower end. It’s less than a Ford F-150 and even below the smaller Ford Maverick, which can tow around 1,500 pounds. But Slate isn’t trying to replace work trucks—it’s aiming for a whole new market of budget-conscious EV adventurers.

For people who’ve dreamed of owning an electric vehicle but couldn’t afford one, Slate might be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for.