Slate Auto’s Electric Pickup Truck Price Change
Slate Auto, a promising electric vehicle startup supported by Jeff Bezos, has made a significant adjustment to its pricing strategy for the upcoming pickup truck. Initially marketed to start at “under $20,000,” the company has reevaluated its pricing following the passing of President Trump’s tax cut bill. This bill, set to be signed into law on July 4th, will bring an end to the federal EV tax credit in September. The $7,500 incentive that Slate had relied on to help its all-electric pickup meet the sub-$20,000 mark will no longer be available.
Upon emerging from stealth mode in April, Slate Auto made waves by highlighting the affordability of its electric pickup truck, citing the $7,500 federal EV tax credit as a key factor. However, recent changes indicate that the company is shifting gears in response to the impending tax credit expiration.
This development poses a challenge to Slate Auto’s mission to offer an exceptionally affordable electric vehicle. While the exact pricing of the EV remains undisclosed, the company’s original promise of a sub-$20,000 starting price with the tax credit is no longer feasible. With production not slated to begin until late 2026 at the earliest, Slate’s focus on customization may also impact consumer interest in the base model.
The sub-$20,000 price point was a central selling point for Slate Auto, drawing attention to its mission of making electric vehicles more accessible to the average consumer. At the company’s launch event, Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Snyder emphasized the need to address the high cost of vehicles in the current market, stating, “We are here to change that.” CEO Chris Barman echoed this sentiment, expressing a commitment to delivering on the promise of an affordable electric vehicle.
As Slate Auto navigates the changing landscape of EV incentives and pricing, the company’s dedication to affordability remains a core principle. While the exact pricing structure may shift in response to external factors, Slate Auto’s vision of a more accessible electric vehicle market continues to drive its innovation and mission.