An Affordable Electric Pickup That Got Everyone Talking
Whether you’re a die-hard electric vehicle (EV) fan or a committed skeptic, the announcement of the Slate electric pickup truck grabbed attention across the automotive world. Back in April, Slate revealed plans to produce a battery-powered pickup starting at just $20,000 (USD 20,000 / EUR 18,500 / GBP 15,800 / MYR 93,500) — an unheard-of figure in today’s market.
For context, the average new car in the US costs around $45,000 (USD 45,000 / EUR 41,600 / GBP 35,500 / MYR 210,400), while most electric trucks go for over $50,000 (USD 50,000 / EUR 46,200 / GBP 39,500 / MYR 233,800). The Slate’s price point made many wonder — could this really be possible?
The Reality Check: Tax Credits and Political Changes
As it turns out, that eye-catching $20,000 price tag factored in the US federal EV tax credit of $7,500 (USD 7,500 / EUR 6,930 / GBP 5,925 / MYR 35,100). With this incentive now scrapped by political changes under Trump’s administration, the Slate’s true base MSRP jumps to about $27,500 (USD 27,500 / EUR 25,450 / GBP 20,775 / MYR 128,500).
While that’s not as jaw-dropping as the original figure, it’s still far more affordable than competitors — roughly 40% cheaper than most EV pickups.
Minimalist Engineering: The Tata Nano of Trucks
The Slate pickup’s affordability boils down to extreme minimalism. By stripping away non-essentials, Slate has reduced production complexity and costs dramatically:
- Plastic bodywork — No traditional metal panels, no paint jobs (vinyl wraps optional).
- No frills interior — Manual windows, no radio, minimal trim.
- Fewer parts — The average vehicle has over 2,000 components; Slate’s design uses about 500.
- Optional rear seats — Not included by default.
It’s a functional approach reminiscent of the Tata Nano in India — built for basic, affordable transportation rather than luxury.
Made in the USA to Avoid Tariffs
Unlike some budget EVs sourced from overseas, the Slate pickup will be manufactured entirely in the United States, including its battery packs. This avoids import tariffs and helps maintain quality control, though it also means the company must work harder to keep manufacturing costs low.
Final Thoughts
The Slate pickup isn’t aiming to compete with luxury EVs like the Tesla Cybertruck — instead, it targets budget-conscious buyers who want an electric work truck at the lowest possible price. While some will dismiss its bare-bones approach, others see it as a breakthrough in affordable EV manufacturing.
If Slate delivers on its promises, this could become one of the most disruptive electric vehicles in recent years.
