Slate’s ‘Blank Slate’ EV Truck Opens Pre-Orders June 24—But the $20k Price Tag Is Now Uncertain
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A High-Stakes Pivot to Pre-Orders
Slate is moving from the ‘interest’ phase to the ‘commitment’ phase. The company announced that formal pre-orders for its minimalist all-electric truck will open on June 24, transitioning early admirers into actual customers. To lock in a specific configuration and a delivery window, buyers will need to put down a $300 deposit. Unlike the earlier reservation phase, this fee is strictly non-refundable.
For those who haven’t yet engaged, Slate is still accepting a $50 ‘reservation fee’ prior to the June 24 window. While the company suggests this provides “priority delivery timing,” the real litmus test for the startup’s viability will be how many of its 160,000 current reservation holders are willing to commit the $300 non-refundable deposit. Until now, the $50 fee served more as a gauge of market appetite than a financial guarantee.
The Math Behind the ‘Budget’ Price Tag
The central appeal of the Slate truck has always been its aggressive pricing. When the project was first unveiled, the company leaned heavily on a $20,000 starting price. However, that figure was contingent on a $7,500 federal tax credit—a subsidy that has since been stripped away. With the regulatory landscape shifted, the actual cost to the consumer is now a moving target.
Slate executives are now tempering expectations, suggesting the truck will likely start in the “mid-twenties.” Crucially, the company has added a disclaimer that pricing remains “subject to change” for the U.S. market. Final pricing is expected to be revealed on June 24, though it will likely be delivered individually to buyers during the configuration process rather than as a static public price list.
The ‘Blank Slate’ Philosophy: Luxury via Add-Ons
To hit these low price points, Slate is employing a strategy reminiscent of early PC building or basic industrial equipment. The entry-level trim, aptly named the Blank Slate, is stripped of almost all conventional automotive comforts. While it includes essential heating and air conditioning, the vehicle is otherwise a skeleton.
In a move that will either be seen as a quirky customization opportunity or a step backward in automotive utility, the Blank Slate ships with manual crank windows. If a buyer wants power windows, a stereo system, or roof racks, they must purchase them as separate accessories. Slate is offering over 100 such add-ons, ranging from basic interior comforts to aesthetic upgrades like fender flares and bumper guards.
This modular approach means the “mid-twenties” starting price is effectively a baseline. For those looking to transform the utility vehicle into something more versatile, Slate offers an SUV conversion kit priced at approximately $5,000. By decoupling the chassis from the features, Slate is betting that a segment of the market prefers a “build-your-own” experience over a pre-packaged trim level.
Investment and Execution
The project has attracted high-profile interest, most notably from Jeff Bezos. Although Bezos recently stepped down from the company’s board of directors, his early investment provided the capital necessary to move the truck from concept to the current pre-order stage. Now, the focus shifts to manufacturing and delivery, which the company expects to begin later this year.
The transition from 160,000 refundable reservations to a smaller pool of non-refundable pre-orders will provide the company—and its investors—with a clear picture of the truck’s actual market demand. If consumers are deterred by the loss of the tax credit or the austerity of the Blank Slate trim, the company may face a significant gap between its hype and its order book.
