Slate Auto, a new American electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, has introduced an affordable and highly customizable electric pickup truck. The vehicle, which contrasts sharply with Tesla’s offerings, features manual windows, no main infotainment screen, and a customizable exterior. It can transform from a two-seater pickup to a five-seater SUV. Slate Auto promises the first trucks will be available for under $20,000 with the federal EV tax credit by the end of 2026. The base model offers a 150-mile range with a 52.7kWh battery pack and a single 150kW motor. Customers can customize the truck with over 100 accessories, including options to change its form into an SUV. This approach aims to make up for the low base price through customization sales. Despite the challenges faced by other EV startups, Slate Auto is focusing on domestic manufacturing and affordable pricing to attract buyers.
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