Picture this: a pickup truck that’s more bare-bones than a dive-bar jukebox, built for folks who’d rather wrench their own ride than swipe through a touchscreen. That’s the 2027 Slate Truck EV, a scrappy electric vehicle from Michigan’s Slate Automotive, unveiled on April 23 with a sticker price that’ll make your wallet sigh in relief—under $28,000. It’s not just a truck; it’s a canvas, designed for gearheads and dreamers who want to bolt on their own style without breaking the bank.
Slate’s debut model, set to roll out in late 2026, is a single-cab, rear-wheel-drive pickup with a steel frame and a no-frills attitude. The base model starts at $27,500, but federal tax credits up to $7,500 could drop it closer to $20,000 for eligible buyers. Two battery packs are on offer: a 52.7-kWh unit with a 150-mile range or an 84.3-kWh pack stretching to 240 miles. These aren’t Tesla-level numbers, but for hauling lumber or cruising to a campsite, they’ll do just fine. Charging? It peaks at 120 kW on a 400-volt system, though there’s no battery preconditioning, so plan your pit stops.
What sets this truck apart isn’t shiny gadgets—it’s got none. No infotainment screens, no speakers, just manual windows and steel wheels. Instead, Slate’s betting on customization. Over 100 aftermarket upgrades will be available at launch, from SUV conversion kits to lift kits, vinyl wraps, and beefy off-road tires. Want a two-door cab or a flatbed? Slate’s got kits for that. The company’s calling it a “blank slate,” and they mean it—buyers can transform it into a rugged overlander or a sleek urban rig. Assembly happens in Indiana, with parts sourced locally, keeping costs low and jobs stateside.
Slate Automotive, backed by a $111 million Series A round in early 2025, has heavy hitters like Jeff Bezos’ investment fund in its corner. The company’s been tight-lipped on production numbers, but deliveries are slated for Q4 2026, with pre-orders opening later this year. Built for DIYers, the truck’s minimalist design skips the tech bloat of pricier EVs, aiming straight for the heart of blue-collar buyers and weekend tinkerers.
The 2027 Slate Truck EV is 185 inches long, seats two, and has a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. Towing maxes out at 5,000 pounds. The base model includes a single electric motor with 200 horsepower. No all-wheel-drive option yet, but Slate hints at future trims. Reservations require a refundable $100 deposit, per the company’s April 23 announcement.