Slate Auto’s stripped‑down electric truck is edging closer to hitting the streets. The startup announced that pre‑orders will begin on June 24, 2026, with an initial $300 reservation fee. It has also been accepting refundable $50 reservations, and recent emails to potential buyers urge them to lock in a spot now to secure a delivery window before the preorder rush.
We have the preorder dates, but the exact price is still missing.
Slate previously made headlines by claiming the base model could be priced under $20,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. That credit was later eliminated, and Slate has since been vague about the final cost, now indicating it will fall in the mid‑$20,000 range.
Thus, June 24 could be a pivotal day for the company. Slate built its brand around removing costly complexity and offering a straightforward, customizable EV at a price ordinary consumers can afford. If the final price drifts too far from the original bargain‑car promise, the truck could become harder to sell.
The concept remains attractive.
Slate markets its upcoming budget EV as a radically simple electric pickup that can be converted into an SUV, a work truck, or a personalized vehicle through accessories and kits. This no‑frills strategy has already drawn interest, with Slate reportedly gathering over 160,000 refundable reservations since unveiling the vehicle last year. However, it remains to be seen how many of those reservations will turn into actual sales.
The “buy now, upgrade later” model for EVs is undeniably appealing, and it could succeed—provided the price point aligns with consumer expectations.