{"id":665235,"date":"2025-04-25T07:42:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T04:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/"},"modified":"2025-04-25T07:42:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-25T04:42:50","slug":"bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/","title":{"rendered":"Bezos-backed Slate Auto debuts analog EV pickup truck that is decidedly anti-Tesla"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a41512ef056c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a41512ef056c\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/#The_Specs\" >The Specs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/#Custom%E2%80%A6_everything\" >Custom\u2026 everything<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/#Buckle_up\" >Buckle up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p id=\"speakable-summary\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A new American electric vehicle startup called <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slate.auto\/en\">Slate Auto<\/a> has made its debut, and it\u2019s about as anti-Tesla as it gets. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s affordable, deeply customizable, and very analog. It has manual windows and it doesn\u2019t come with a main infotainment screen. Heck, it isn\u2019t even painted. It can also transform from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The three-year-old startup revealed its vehicle during an event Thursday night in Long Beach, California, and promised the first trucks would be available to customers for under $20,000 <em>with <\/em>the federal EV tax credit by the end of 2026. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event comes just a few weeks since TechCrunch revealed details of Slate Auto\u2019s plans to enter the U.S. EV market, build its trucks in Indiana, and that the enterprise is financially backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The auto industry \u201chas been so focused on autonomy and <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a> in the vehicle, it\u2019s driven prices to a place that most Americans simply can\u2019t afford,\u201d chief commercial officer Jeremy Snyder said during the event, which Inside EVs live streamed. \u201cBut we\u2019re here to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe are building the affordable vehicle that has long been promised but never been delivered,\u201d CEO Chris Barman added.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?w=680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2999057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg 1980w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=150,81 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=300,162 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=768,414 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=680,367 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=1200,647 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=1280,690 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=430,232 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=720,388 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=900,485 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=800,432 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=1536,829 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=668,360 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=1144,617 1144w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-auto-specs.jpg?resize=708,382 708w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credits\"><strong>Image Credits:<\/strong>Slate Auto<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-specs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Specs\"><\/span>The Specs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slate isn\u2019t saying exactly how much its truck will cost \u2014 multiple sources have told TechCrunch over the last few weeks the company has gone back and forth on the number. And so much can change between now and a late 2026 release date.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company is<em> <\/em>saying it will start under $20,000 after the federal tax credit (providing that still exists next year). Interested buyers can place a $50 refundable reservation on the company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The base version of Slate\u2019s truck will squeeze 150 miles out of a 52.7kWh battery pack, which will power a single 150kW motor on the rear axle. For folks who get a little spooked at that number, Slate is offering a larger battery pack that it says will have about 240 miles of range. It will charge using a North American Charging Standard port, the standard Tesla established that almost all major automakers now use.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The truck comes with 17-inch wheels and a five-foot bed, and has a projected 1,400 pound payload capacity with a 1,000 pound towing capacity. Since it\u2019s an EV, there\u2019s no engine up front. In its place there\u2019s a front trunk (or frunk) with 7 cubic feet of storage space, which h<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>ens to have a drain in case the owner wants to fill it with ice for that tailgate party.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That towing capacity is lower than a more capable Ford F-150, and is even less than the smaller Ford Maverick, which can tow around 1,500 pounds. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of the Ford Maverick, Slate\u2019s truck is smaller. The Slate EV has a wheelbase of 108.9 inches, and an overall length of 174.6 inches. The Maverick has a 121.1-inch wheelbase and overall length of 199.7 inches<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything else about the base version of the truck is awfully spare \u2014 and that\u2019s the point. Slate is really maximizing the idea of a base model, and setting customers up for paying to customize the EV to their liking. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-custom-everything\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Custom%E2%80%A6_everything\"><\/span>Custom\u2026 everything<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1884\" height=\"842\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?w=680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2999065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg 1884w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=150,67 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=300,134 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=768,343 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=680,304 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=1200,536 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=1280,572 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=430,192 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=720,322 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=900,402 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=800,358 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=1536,686 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=668,299 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=1381,617 1381w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/slate-config-blue.jpg?resize=708,316 708w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1884px) 100vw, 1884px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-element-caption__text\">Screenshot<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slate is deeply committed to the idea of customization, which sets it apart from any other EV startup (or traditional automaker).<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company said Thursday it will launch with more than 100 different accessories that buyers can use to personalize the truck to their liking. If that\u2019s overwhelming, Slate has curated a number of different \u201cstarter packs\u201d that interested buyers can choose from.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The truck doesn\u2019t even come painted. Slate is instead playing up the idea of wrapping its vehicles, something executives said they will sell in kits. Buyers can either have Slate do that work for them, or put the wraps on themselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This not only adds to the idea of a buyer being able to personalize their vehicle, but it also cuts out a huge cost center for the company. It means Slate won\u2019t need a paint shop at its factory, allowing it to spend less to get to market, while also avoiding one of the most heavily regulated parts of vehicle manufacturing. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slate is telling customers that they can name the car whatever they want, offering the ability to purchase an embossed wrap for the tailgate. Otherwise, the truck is just referred to as the \u201cBlank Slate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As TechCrunch previously reported, the customization piece is central to how the company hopes to make up margin on what is otherwise a relatively dirt-cheap vehicle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it\u2019s also part of the friendly pitch Slate is making to customers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barman said Thursday that people can \u201cmake the Blank Slate yours at the time of purchase, or as your needs and finances change over time.\u201d It\u2019s billing the add-ons as \u201ceasy DIY\u201d that \u201cnon-gearheads\u201d can tackle, and says it will launch a suite of how-to resources under the billing of Slate University.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBuy your accessories, get them delivered fast, and install them yourself with the easy how-to videos in Slate U, our content hub,\u201d the website reads. \u201cDon\u2019t want to go the DIY route? A Slate authorized partner can come and do it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The early library of customizations on Slate\u2019s website range from functional to cosmetic. Buyers can add infotainment screens, speakers, roof racks, light covers, and much more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most significant are the options that let buyers \u201ctransform\u201d the truck into roomier SUV form factors. But these aren\u2019t permanent decisions. Slate says people will be able to change their vehicle into, and back from, an SUV if they like \u2014 \u201cno mechanics certification required.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All that said, Slate\u2019s truck comes standard with some federally mandated safety features such as automatic emergency braking, airbags, and a backup camera.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buckle-up\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buckle_up\"><\/span>Buckle up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road to making a successful American automotive startup is littered with failures. In the last few years, Canoo, Fisker, and Lordstown Motors have all filed for bankruptcy. And that\u2019s just to name a few. Those companies that are still around, like Rivian and Lucid Motors, are hemorrhaging money in an attempt to get high-volume, more affordable models to market.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Slate is a total inversion of that approach. It\u2019s going after a low-cost EV first and foremost, and hopes to make that business viable by supplementing it with money from this deep customization play. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, much like Rivian and Lucid Motors, it also has deep-pocketed backers. It raised has raised more than $111 million so far (the exact figure is still not public). And, aside from Bezos, has taken money from Mark Walter, Guggenheim Partners CEO and controlling owner of the LA Dodgers, as TechCrunch reported this month. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company has hired nearly 400 employees in service of accomplishing all of its ambitious goals, and is currently trying to hire more. Slate arguably could not have picked a more volatile time to make its debut, but it\u2019s also focused on domestic manufacturing, and may be insulated from some of the turmoil facing other startups and established automakers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe believe vehicles should be affordable and desirable,\u201d Barman said Thursday, adding that Slate\u2019s truck \u201cis a vehicle people are actually going to love and be proud to own.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/category\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Technology<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2025\/04\/24\/bezos-backed-slate-auto-debuts-analog-ev-pickup-truck-that-is-decidedly-anti-tesla\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new American electric vehicle startup called Slate Auto has made its debut, and it\u2019s about as anti-Tesla as it gets. It\u2019s affordable, deeply customizable, and very analog. It has manual windows and it doesn\u2019t come with a main infotainment screen. Heck, it isn\u2019t even painted. It can also transform from a two-seater pickup to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":665236,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Inspo_Truck_web.jpg?resize=1200,800","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[78772,82313,71631,155515,73295],"class_list":["post-665235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-electric-vehicles","tag-evs","tag-jeff-bezos","tag-slate-auto","tag-transportation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=665235"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665235\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/665236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=665235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=665235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=665235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}