Why Have 160,000 People Reserved Slate's EV Pickups?

Slate’s pickup trucks are set to be an affordable two-door electric pickup for the US market. The EVs feature customisable features which can radically transform the vehicle, including turning it from a pickup into an SUV. 

Slate Auto is an EV pickup startup based in the US and has raised hundreds of millions in funding, including from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

As the company prepares for first deliveries, set for the end of 2026, it has raised US$650m in Series C funding. 

Slate’s EV pickups

The Slate EV has a projected range of 150 miles, with a longer range battery pack that can extend range to an estimated 240 miles. The vehicle is rear-wheel drive with a single, rear-mounted 150 kW motor.

It is designed to be a practical car, with add-on features available to users who want them. It does not feature a built-in infotainment system like many modern EVs, which seek to compete on innovative technological features. 

The customisable features in the Slate are expansive and it can transform from a 2-seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.

The EV has taken more than 160,000 reservations and will cost in the mid US$20,000s. The manufacturer's exact retail price will be announced in June 2026.

Customisability as a market feature

Slate’s EV’s are built with more than 100 Slate Attach Points that fit its expanding range of accessories. Consumers are able to change the Slate pickup into an SUV with the SUV kit.

The cars are also wrapped rather than painted, meaning consumers are able to change colours at their desire. Slate says that wrap kits start at prices of around US$500.

Simplicity is the core of the base model, which the company calls ‘a Blank Slate.’ It would require a consumer to bring their own Bluetooth speaker to listen to music, and according to MotorTrend the car has crank windows, which are uncommon in modern cars. 

While the base car is set to be in the mid US$20,000 range, it has the potential to cost significantly more with additional features and customisable options.

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Funding and profit model 

Slate Auto has raised a further US$650m in funding during its Series C funding round. The new round brings its total raised to roughly US$1.4bn, according to Tech Crunch. 

Slate CEO Peter Faricy says: "Our Series C round of funding will enable Slate to reach the next stages of production this year: on time and on budget.

"We can't wait for our future customers to pre-order their Slate Trucks beginning in June."

Previous investors have included General Catalyst, Jeff Bezos’ family office, VC firm Slauson & Co and former Amazon executive Diego Piacentini, as TechCrunch first reported.

Investors are likely betting on the hundreds of aftermarket options available to consumers who decide to buy a Slate, which could see ongoing revenue in customisation options rather than just the singular sale.