You can preorder Slate Auto's $25K electric pickup now

At a glance:

• Slate Auto has officially opened preorders for its highly anticipated sub-$25,000 electric truck.
• New battery specifications have increased the vehicle's estimated range from 150 miles to 205 miles per charge.
• While initial deliveries are slated for later this year, full production scale-up is not expected until 2027.

Pricing and preorder details

Slate Auto's much-discussed electric truck is moving closer to the consumer market as the company opens preorders on its official website. The base model is positioned at a competitive $24,950, though potential buyers should note that the final price will exceed the $25,000 threshold once destination and delivery fees are applied. The company claims these fees will be lower than the industry average, but they are still expected to range between $1,200 and $1,500.

To secure a vehicle, customers must commit to a $300 nonrefundable preorder fee. For those who have already participated in the company's earlier reservation phase, there is a path to conversion: the 180,000 customers who previously placed refundable $50 reservations can apply that initial amount toward their new preorder. While the company aims to begin the first deliveries later this year, the transition to full-scale manufacturing is a long-term play, with ramp-up not anticipated until sometime in 2027.

Improved specifications and customization

Since its initial announcement last year, Slate Auto has updated several key technical specifications to make the truck more viable for daily use. Most notably, the company has revised its battery specs, which has successfully raised the truck's projected range from the original 150 miles per charge to 205 miles. This increase addresses one of the primary concerns regarding low-cost electric vehicles: range anxiety in urban and suburban environments.

Beyond raw performance, Slate is leaning heavily into a lifestyle-oriented customization strategy to differentiate itself from traditional automotive manufacturers. The company is offering a massive array of aesthetic and functional options, including:

• More than 100 different wrap colors
• Various conversion kits to transform the two-seater truck into different builds after purchase

This emphasis on modularity and personalization aims to capture a demographic looking for a vehicle that feels unique rather than a mass-produced commodity.

Critical reception and industry skepticism

The Slate faces a polarized reception from industry analysts and journalists. Some outlets have been highly skeptical of the vehicle's minimalist approach. The Wall Street Journal, for instance, questioned the market viability of such a stripped-back model, famously asking, "Will Anyone Buy This Cheap EV Truck With Hand-Crank Windows and No Radio?"

However, first-hand impressions from automotive reviewers suggest the vehicle has significant appeal. Nick Yekikian of Edmunds noted that the truck "is cute and has real charm in person," adding that the build quality appears more solid and road-ready than previous iterations. Similarly, Aaron Gold from MotorTrend expressed high hopes for the vehicle, stating it met their expectations for an inexpensive, charming electric truck. David Tracy of The Autopian offered perhaps the strongest praise, describing the driving experience as "insanely fun" and calling it the most "soulful" new vehicle an American consumer can buy for $25,000.

The competitive landscape for affordable EVs

Slate Auto is entering a market where the average car price has recently fluctuated around the $50,000 mark, making a $25,000 EV a significant anomaly. Typically, electric vehicles command a premium of $5,000 to $7,000 over internal combustion engine counterparts. While the Chevrolet Bolt has historically been a close competitor at just under $30,000, the landscape is shifting rapidly.

Other major players are preparing their own entries into the low-cost segment. Ford is expected to release a low-cost electric truck in the $30,000 range, currently slated for a 2027 release. Furthermore, the industry remains watchful of geopolitical shifts; as Reuters has noted, some Chinese-built EVs are priced below $12,000. While tariffs currently limit the availability of these vehicles in the US, they represent a massive theoretical competitive pressure on the American market.