The electric vehicle (EV) market is buzzing with innovation, but few newcomers have sparked as much intrigue as Slate Auto’s 2027 Slate Truck EV. This compact, no-frills pickup promises to shake up the industry with its affordability, minimalist design, and unprecedented customisation options. Priced at under $27,500—or potentially as low as $20,000 with federal EV tax credits—the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, offering buyers the chance to tailor it to their needs, whether as a rugged workhorse, a sleek SUV, or even a quirky open-air cruiser. Backed by significant funding, including from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is betting on simplicity and personalisation to carve out a niche in a crowded market. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this EV stand out, based on recent news and blog coverage.
A Bare-Bones Approach to Affordability
At its core, the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable because it starts as a “blank slate.” Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup founded in 2022, has taken a radical approach to EV design by stripping away non-essential features to keep costs down. The base model, priced at approximately $27,500, lacks amenities that have become standard in modern vehicles. There’s no built-in infotainment system, no radio, and no speakers—instead, drivers are encouraged to use their smartphones or tablets, which slot into a universal phone mount with USB power. Manual crank windows, manually adjustable mirrors, and unpainted gray composite body panels further underscore the truck’s utilitarian ethos. By eliminating a factory paint shop and other costly manufacturing steps, Slate achieves a price point that undercuts even the most affordable EVs, like the $29,280 Nissan Leaf S.
The affordability of the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, hinges on the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, which could bring the effective price below $20,000. Some states, like Colorado with its $3,500 EV incentive, could push the cost even lower, potentially under $16,500 for eligible buyers. However, Slate’s reliance on these incentives introduces uncertainty, as their availability beyond 2026 remains unclear. Without the tax credit, the truck’s $27,500 starting price, while still competitive, may feel less compelling given its sparse standard equipment.
The Power of Personalisation: 2027 Slate Truck EV Will Be Very Customizable
What sets the 2027 Slate Truck EV apart is its modular design, making it very customizable through an extensive catalog of over 100 accessories. This “build-your-own” philosophy allows buyers to transform the truck into a vehicle that suits their lifestyle, whether they need a compact pickup for hauling, a five-seat SUV for family outings, or a unique creation like a doorless, roofless cruiser reminiscent of a Jeep Wrangler. The accessory packages are a cornerstone of Slate’s business model, offering high-margin add-ons that range from practical to playful.
Key customisation options include:
- SUV Conversion Kit: This package adds a roof panel over the truck’s 5-foot bed, a three-across rear bench seat, a roll bar, and rear airbags, turning the two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV. The roll bar is a prerequisite for the rear bench, ensuring safety but limiting configurations for those hoping for a retro open-bed seating setup.
- Battery Upgrade: Buyers can choose between a 52.7-kWh battery (47 kWh net) with an estimated 150-mile range or an 84.3-kWh pack (75 kWh net) offering up to 240 miles. The larger battery adds 302 pounds to the truck’s 3,600-pound base weight, potentially impacting performance and payload.
- Exterior Wraps: The unpainted grey composite panels are designed for easy vinyl wrapping, which Slate claims can be applied in as little as 30 minutes. Owners can change the truck’s look with wraps ranging from bold colours to custom graphics, extending even to the standard 17-inch steel wheels.
- Wheels and Suspension: Beyond the base steel wheels, 17- and 20-inch alloy wheels are available, along with a 2.0-inch lift kit or a 1.0-inch lowering kit for those wanting a rugged or sporty stance. All-terrain tires complement the lift kit, though the lack of all-wheel drive limits off-road potential.
- Interior Upgrades: Optional power windows, Bluetooth speakers, and a tablet dock add some creature comforts, though the interior remains spartan compared to competitors.
- Utility Add-Ons: Racks, storage solutions, and even a fastback roof with tinted windows cater to specific needs, such as carrying a motorbike, surfboard, or setting up a mobile DJ booth.
Most accessories are designed for DIY installation, appealing to hands-on buyers who enjoy tinkering. For those less inclined to wrench, Slate plans to establish a network of approved service centers to handle installations. This flexibility ensures the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable for a wide range of customers, from budget-conscious minimalists to enthusiasts eager to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
Performance and Specifications
The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, but its performance is modest by EV standards. A single rear-mounted electric motor delivers 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, propelling the 3,600-pound truck to 60 mph in an estimated 8.0 seconds. The larger battery pack increases weight by 302 pounds, likely slowing acceleration slightly. While not a speed demon, the truck’s rear-wheel-drive setup and compact dimensions—174.6 inches long, shorter than a Subaru Crosstrek—make it nimble for urban environments.
The truck’s 5-foot bed and 7-cubic-foot front trunk (frunk) offer practical storage, with a payload capacity of 1,433 pounds—close to the Ford Maverick’s 1,500 pounds. However, its 1,000-pound towing capacity is half that of the Maverick’s base model, limiting its appeal for heavy-duty tasks. The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable in terms of utility, with accessories like roof racks and cargo solutions enhancing its versatility.
Charging is another area where Slate prioritizes efficiency over flash. The truck supports 120 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 20-80% charge in about 30 minutes. Both battery options use a North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, ensuring compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network and other public chargers. The decision to avoid lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are cheaper but often sourced from China, ensures eligibility for the federal EV tax credit by adhering to strict North American sourcing requirements.
Manufacturing and Market Strategy
Slate Auto’s production strategy is as unconventional as its truck. The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable and built at a repurposed 1.4-million-square-foot former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana. This “reindustrialised” facility reflects Slate’s commitment to revitalising local economies, following in the footsteps of Tesla and Rivian, which repurposed shuttered factories. The company aims to produce 150,000 trucks annually, a bold target for a startup, even one with over $111 million in funding from 16 investors, including Jeff Bezos.
Slate’s history traces back to Re: Build, a manufacturing conglomerate founded by former Amazon executive Jeff Wilke and Miles Arnone. Launched in 2022, Slate secured its Series A funding in 2023, giving it a strong financial foundation. The company’s focus on American-made components aligns with its goal of qualifying for federal incentives while appealing to buyers who prioritize domestic manufacturing. Deliveries are slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a $50 deposit securing a spot in line.
Slate’s market strategy targets the 70% of U.S. households earning less than $100,000 annually, aiming for monthly payments under $400. By offering a vehicle that’s affordable and adaptable, Slate hopes to capture buyers priced out of the premium EV market, where models often exceed $50,000. The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, positioning it as a practical alternative to gas-powered compact pickups like the Ford Maverick ($28,590) or Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Safety and Design Philosophy
Despite its minimalist approach, the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable without compromising safety. Standard features include traction control, electronic stability control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, airbags, a reversing camera, and auto high beams, with Slate targeting five-star safety ratings. The composite body panels, held in place with screws, simplify crash repairs, potentially reducing maintenance costs.
The truck’s design draws inspiration from utilitarian vehicles of the past, evoking the boxy charm of 1980s Land Rovers or Nissan’s early-2000s Xterra, which touted “everything you need, nothing you don’t.” Its rounded edges and composite panels are optimized for easy wrapping, while the single-cab layout and 4×5-foot bed prioritize function over flash. The absence of a central infotainment screen, replaced by a 4-inch digital gauge cluster that doubles as a rearview camera display, reinforces Slate’s back-to-basics ethos.
Challenges and Criticisms
The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, but it’s not without its skeptics. Some argue its $27,500 base price is too high for its bare-bones feature set, especially when compared to the five-passenger Ford Maverick, which offers more standard amenities for a similar price. The 150-mile range of the base battery may deter buyers needing a daily driver for long commutes, and the lack of all-wheel drive limits its off-road credibility, even with the lift kit and all-terrain tires.
Critics also question Slate’s ambitious production goals and the viability of its DIY customization model. EV startups have a spotty track record in the U.S., with many failing to deliver on promises. Slate’s reliance on federal tax credits adds risk, as changes in policy could erode its price advantage. Additionally, the accessory-driven model may alienate buyers who prefer a fully equipped vehicle out of the box rather than assembling their ideal truck piece by piece.
The_ding the Slate Truck in Context
The 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable, offering a fresh take on what an EV can be. It’s not a luxury vehicle or a high-performance machine but a practical, affordable platform for personalization. For buyers seeking a budget-friendly pickup that can morph into an SUV, a fastback utility vehicle, or something entirely unique, Slate delivers unmatched flexibility. Its closest competitors, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, offer more standard features but lack the Slate’s modular design and sub-$20,000 price potential with incentives.
Slate’s approach flips the script on modern EVs, which often prioritize tech and luxury over accessibility. By focusing on simplicity, affordability, and customization, the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable and appeals to a broad audience—from urban commuters to rural workers to hobbyists eager to tinker. Whether it becomes a game-changer or a niche curiosity depends on Slate’s ability to execute its vision and navigate the challenges of scaling production.
Looking Ahead
As Slate Auto ramps up for 2026 deliveries, the 2027 Slate Truck EV will be very customizable and remains a bold experiment in the EV space. Its success hinges on delivering on its affordability promise, maintaining quality, and convincing buyers that a stripped-down truck with endless possibilities is worth the investment. For now, the buzz is palpable, with automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike intrigued by its retro-inspired design and forward-thinking customization options.
If Slate can overcome the hurdles faced by EV startups and sustain its momentum, the 2027 Slate Truck EV could redefine what it means to be an affordable electric vehicle. For those dreaming of a versatile, budget-friendly EV that’s as unique as they are, this little truck might just be the blank slate they’ve been waiting for. Reservations are open with a $50 deposit, and with production set to begin in Indianapolis, the countdown to Q4 2026 is on.