Slate Auto has officially priced its affordable American-made electric pickup truck at $24,950, matching the revised mid-$20,000 range it promised last year after the Trump administration ended the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Preorders for the no-frills truck go live today, with production scheduled to begin in autumn 2026.
Preorder Details and Delivery Timeline
Customers can place a $300 non-refundable deposit within the next 30 days to secure a delivery date, expected to start in late 2026. According to Slate's website, preorders after the 30-day window are still accepted, but delivery slots will shift to a later time. The company has taken roughly 180,000 reservations to date, signaling strong demand for the budget-friendly electric vehicle.
Pricing Comparison with Competitors
The $24,950 starting price undercuts key rivals. The Ford Maverick, its closest pickup competitor, starts at around $30,000, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV begins at roughly $29,000. The average new vehicle sold for $49,220 in May, according to Cox Automotive data, with small and midsize pickups averaging $43,044 and new EVs averaging $54,532. Even the average used vehicle costs $26,918, making Slate's truck cheaper than many pre-owned cars.
Market Impact and Consumer Appeal
Rani Molla, who recently test-drove the Slate truck, described it as a minimalist vehicle that doesn't feel stripped down, offering compelling value at its price point. The company's initial target of under $20,000 was abandoned nearly a year ago due to the loss of the federal tax credit, but the $24,950 price still positions it as one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
