The Slate Online Configurator Is Up. Build Your Perfect Cheap Truck

Slate is the newest automaker in the EV world, but it's not pushing a vaporware product. It spent the last two years quietly developing a small, barebones electric truck that can also become a five-seater SUV with a bolt-on conversion. The company revealed its efforts on Thursday with multiple functioning prototypes on hand, something we seldom see from an EV startup. And the big news? Prices should start under $20,000 once EV tax incentives are factored in.

Slate makes a compelling case, given the average cost of a new vehicle is more than double that starting price. So when the company announced reservations were open with a $50 refundable deposit, I stepped up. Shortly thereafter, Slate's website went live with a configurator full of options to customize your truck. So that's exactly what I did, which I now present here for your consideration.

Photo by: Slate

I didn't go crazy on extras. For me, the magic here is a basic truck that doesn't cost as much as a small house. Slate offers dozens upon dozens of aesthetic tweaks, everything from different grilles and bumper designs to fender flares, stripes and accent colors on interior components. I chose to keep everything stock on the outside save for the color and wheels.

This is a partial wrap (called the Snow Dog) that adds silver sides with a wrap color on the upper half. I went with Blue Steel, but Slate offers 12 colors, or if none are to your liking, you can select a custom shade—presumably for an extra cost. It exudes a nice 1980's two-tone vibe ... which I suspect was Slate's goal with this option.

I nixed the steel wheels for 17-inch silver aluminum rims shod with all-terrain tires. That requires choosing the higher ride height, or you can go in the opposite direction with a lowered suspension. 20-inch wheels are also an option, but frankly, that seems ridiculous in this application. I could've added running boards, a roof rack, different taillight options, different bumpers, stripes, badges, a spare tire carrier and much more. But like I said, I want to keep this minimal.

That brings me to the interior. The big news here is a complete lack of virtually anything you'd expect in a modern car, from power windows to even a simple stereo. I have my Slate equipped with the larger tablet holder, essentially giving me a touchscreen large enough for my old(er) eyes to see for navigation and tunes.

Speaking of which, Slate offers a pair of built-in speakers for the dash, but I choose the Bluetooth speaker holder. I've never been impressed by modern stereo systems with a gazillion speakers—cars are not home theaters. So a simple speaker connected to Spotify is all I need.

Photo by: Slate

I keep the crank windows, too. Honestly, I'd be happy to go with power windows provided it's not a silly-expensive option. Same goes for the dozens of aesthetic color choices for interior trim. You can make the Slate's interior bright and cheerful, and features like a center console (which I've added to by spec) offer a bit more practicality. You can even get a holder for sunglasses.

As Slate promised, there are enough choices to make your truck a one-of-one vehicle. That's before you look at the SUV bolt-on kits that add either a square or fastback roof and a back seat. Unfortunately, without any prices listed, I'm very nervous that Slate's super-tempting base price will skyrocket.

Photo by: Slate

A sub-$20,000 pickup with crank windows, vinyl floors and no stereo sounds interesting. But if adding just a bit of personalization pushes that to $30,000—also with crank windows, vinyl floors, and no stereo—it becomes significantly less interesting.

And none of this includes a battery upgrade. The Slate comes with a 52.7-kWh battery good for an estimated 150 miles of range. An 84.3-kWh battery is optional, bumping range to an estimated 240 miles. Given my rural location, I'd like the bigger battery. But if it pushes the price too high, the whole deal is off.

Time will tell. Slate is planning a production launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. You can bet we'll be watching as more details are announced.