Would you buy a no-frills truck if it was incredibly affordable but lacked several modern creature comforts?
The Slate Truck is the cheapest truck on the market, starting at under $25,000 before taxes and additional fees. Slate Auto is an American automobile company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The company is selling highly customizable electric vehicles that come with few standard features, but plenty of optional add-ons.
I tried out Slate’s vehicle configuration tool to see just how spartan the company’s EVs were and whether or not they deliver good value for the money.
How I Customized My Slate EV Exterior
Slate offers its electric vehicle in three different body styles. You can choose from The Blank Slate ($24,950), which is the company’s standard electric pickup truck; a Squareback SUV ($29,950); or a Fastback SUV ($31,950). One of the most innovative things about Slate’s electric vehicle is the ability to purchase it as a small truck or SUV model. The Blank Slate is the cheapest option because it’s a two-seater.
After choosing a body style for your Slate Truck, you have the option to select a wrap color for the vehicle, starting at $499.00 for classic colors. Note that installation of the wrap isn’t provided by Slate, just the wrap itself. I chose to forgo this option in my mock build to keep the truck as cheap as possible.
Slate has decal, lighting, and roof rack options, which I also skipped to keep the build price low. It also has tonneau cover accessories for the truck bed, wheel, tire and suspension options. You can get your Slate truck lifted or lowered, but pricing information for suspension changes isn’t available yet.
How I Customized My Slate Truck Interior
All of my add-ons for my Slate Truck build are interior add-ons. I added a center console for everyday utility ($249.99), a front center integrated speaker ($249.99), front left and right integrated speakers for audio ($249.99) and dash panels ($59.99) required to accommodate the speakers.
I also added a Slate telematics module ($275.00) which enables smartphone connectivity and features like remote access and battery pre-conditioning. This module requires DIY installation. Finally, I added a console armrest for comfort, which doesn’t have pricing info yet.
Would I Actually Build and Buy a Slate Truck?
I like the idea of the Slate Truck because it breaks an EV down to its bare necessities and gives drivers the options to add the exact features and extras they’d want in a vehicle.
I would consider getting a Slate Truck because my lifestyle is flexible enough that its barebones design isn’t an inconvenience. Its two-seater design isn’t off-putting for me, and its driving range (205 miles) isn’t a hindrance since I don’t have a lengthy commute.
Additionally, there are plenty of Tesla Superchargers in my area, and the Slate Truck comes with a built-in NACS (North American Charging Standard) charge port. My Slate build costs around $25,934.96 before taxes and fees, which is affordable enough for me to consider.
Why the Slate Truck Isn’t for Everyone
The Slate Truck isn’t a viable option for everyone because, by the time drivers with families spec it to their needs, it costs closer to $32,000 after the necessary adjustments and additions. Not every driver wants a truck that requires DIY installations or extreme customization to include basic features.
Another specification that may deter potential drivers is its limited driving range. Though 205 miles of range works for drivers with access to charging stations, it may not be enough range for folks with long commutes who don’t want to recharge their vehicle often.
If you want an affordable electric vehicle that’s unconventional and only comes with features that you choose to include, the Slate Truck is an interesting and potentially groundbreaking vehicle. If you still aren’t sold on EVs or want a car that comes standard with armrests, this may not be the new car for you.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
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