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A fresh entrant into the automotive industry plans to shake up the U.S. truck sector by offering extremely competitive prices, however, be prepared for a model lacking some of the most recent luxury features.
A startup backed by a billionaire intends to create Slate, which aims to produce America’s most budget-friendly pickup truck.
$25,000 starting price.
If
The federal incentive of $7,500 for electric vehicles remains unchanged.
, the Slate could become the only car in the US market under $20,000.
To maintain affordability, the firm informs GAPTEKZONE they have removed common technology typically featured in most vehicles and reverted to fundamental automotive essentials.
The Slate’s standard edition includes manual windows, tangible buttons, and knobs, along with no built-in speakers or digital displays. In their basic model, they have installed a smartphone mount and a charging port beside the steering wheel instead.
Each truck arrives with a uniform gray metallic coating, similar to the classic Ford Model T. Drivers have the option to personalize their vehicle using manufacturer-provided decals to overlay the default gray exterior.
The firm aims to provide a choice for Americans tired of exorbitant costs.
screen-saturated driving experiences
.
‘The definition of what’s affordable is broken,’ the company’s CEO, Chris Barman, said.
Slate aims to return control to consumers overlooked by the automotive sector.
The firm’s vehicles will be equipped with either a 52.7-kWh or 84.3-kWh battery pack, providing the truck with approximate ranges of 150 or 240 miles.
It will include a NACS connector, which means it can be charged at Tesla’s Supercharger network — the most extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the nation.
The basic configurations feature two front seats along with a pickup truck bed.
To gain additional roominess, drivers have the option of choosing a three-person bench seat at the back and adding an SUV-inspired top enclosure, which comes in designs resembling a fastback, a station wagon, or featuring a Jeep-style rollover bar.
However, it will cost only half as much as other open-top SUVs: the starting price for the Bronco is $38,000, for the Jeep Wrangler it’s $32,000, and for the GMC Hummer, it’s $96,000.
Currently, the typical cost of a new vehicle in the United States is approximately $48,000, which represents an increase of about $11,000 from 2018 levels. This equates to a significant rise of roughly 23% over this six-year period.
One factor behind this increase in prices is the rapid disappearance of affordable vehicles from the US market.
For instance, the Nissan Versa stands out as the sole vehicle with a starting price under $20,000.
It’s
been discontinued for 2026
, and will soon become pricier.
The Versa is manufactured in Mexico and continues to be highly vulnerable to various factors.
25% tariffs imposed on car imports by President Donald Trump
.
Slate believes it is well-placed to capitalize on the absence of offerings at the lower end of the market.
Producing the car in the U.S. aids in avoiding the percent tariff, providing the firm with greater leeway for reducing costs.
However, there is one exception when it comes to tariffs for cars.
It remains an electric vehicle, which
depends on scarce earth elements
For its batteries — a supply chain that still heavily relies on imported materials.
Nevertheless, Slate’s foray into the market is backed by investors with substantial financial resources.
Supported by Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter who owns the LA Dodgers, and Guggenheim CEO Thomas Tull, the firm discreetly amassed $111 million in revenue during 2023.
It’s uncommon for a new automobile company to thrive in the United States.
Prior to Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid entering the scene, no American automotive newcomer had managed sustained success since Chrysler, established way back in 1925.
Well-funded car manufacturers have tried to develop comparable, adjustable vehicle frameworks in the American market.
In 2003, Toyota introduced Scion, and General Motors established Saturn in 1985. These affordable, highly modifiable automobile brands have since ceased operations.
However, Slate believes these kinds of vehicles perfectly cater to the premium segment currently dominating the automobile sector.
Insiders within the firm have informed GAPTEKZONE that they anticipate small enterprises will be eager to acquire their basic models of vehicles.
Slate’s wild debut
Slate’s vehicles have already been seen out in nature.
Sharp-eyed online enthusiasts have managed to gather some information regarding the vehicle’s launch.
Reddit investigators tracked down an enigmatic flatbed transporter to Slate, and GAPTEKZONE can verify their legitimacy.
Other people spotted it parked in Los Angeles with fake business stickers—one being a make-believe ‘Rare and Raw Catering Company’—that included rooftop coolers allegedly marked for puma and goblin shark meats.
“Definitely a more effective method for generating buzz compared to camouflage since it’s a new brand that hasn’t garnered attention yet,” remarked a car enthusiast on Reddit.
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