A bold new electric entrant is looking to shake up the US ute and SUV market. Say hello to the 2026 Slate Truck, an electric pick-up from Michigan-based start-up Slate Automotive, publicly backed by Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos.
Touted as affordable, modular, customisable and unlike anything else on the road, the two-door Slate Truck can transform from a no-frills two-seater pickup into a five-seat SUV. As CEO Chris Barman puts it, “The definition of what’s affordable is broken. Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers.”
Here are five key things we know so far:
Ultra-low price with EV tax breaks
The base model is expected to launch at $US25,000 (~$39,000-$42,000 AUD) before government incentives. With available EV tax rebates, eligible buyers could pay as little as $US19,900 (~$31,000 AUD) — undercutting even the most budget-friendly petrol-powered pickup rivals like the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux.
Bare-bones base, highly upgradable
In entry-level “Blank Slate” trim, you’ll find steel wheels, wind-up windows, and a phone mount with charger instead of an infotainment screen. It does still get air conditioning and a digital instrument cluster. But you can opt to pay for modern conveniences if you want them.
Over 100 optional upgrades are available — from electric windows and a touchscreen system to alloy wheels, upgraded interior materials, and exterior wraps or decals.
DIY conversion into a 5-seat SUV
One of the Slate Truck’s most radical features is the optional flat-pack SUV conversion kit, and a good-looking one too. Owners can install it themselves, choosing from a boxy wagon or fastback style, with either an open or closed roof option, and even a Jeep Wrangler-style doorless setup. It remains a two-door offering so rear seat access will not be the same as a typical SUV.
Performance, range, and specs
The 2026 Slate Truck packs a punch with rather practical electric vehicle specs, offering solid range options and quick charging times. Here’s a breakdown of the key performance details and capabilities:
| Specification | Details |
| Powertrain | Rear-wheel drive, single electric motor |
| Power Output | 150 kW |
| Torque | 264 Nm |
| Battery Options | 52.7 kWh (standard) / 84.3 kWh (optional) |
| Range (EPA est.) | 240 km (52.7 kWh) / 390 km (84.3 kWh) |
| Charging (DC Fast) | Up to 120 kW (20–80% in under 30 minutes) |
| Charging (AC) | 11 kW |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 145 km/h |
| Payload Capacity | 690 kg |
| Towing Capacity | 454 kg |
Built in the US, coming in late 2026
Manufactured in Indiana, the Slate Truck measures 4435mm long, 1793mm wide, and 1760mm high, with a 2766mm wheelbase. The tray is modest, but extendable. Reservations are now open with a $US50 deposit, and the first deliveries are slated for Q4 2026. Slate aims to sell 150,000 units, with plans to expand to international markets.
With aggressively affordable pricing, modular design, and the backing of one of the world’s biggest names, Slate Auto might just have the blueprint to disrupt the mainstream. It’s time you watched this space!
Comments
New Comment