A new electric vehicle (EV) startup, Slate Auto—backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos—has introduced its first product: the Slate Truck. This minimalist truck is designed to offer affordability by stripping out standard features such as a stereo system, touchscreens, paint jobs, extended cabs, and long truck beds. CEO Chris Barman stated, “The definition of what’s affordable is broken. Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.” Despite its bare-bones design, the truck offers over 100 customizable add-ons, including power windows, a center console, and even the option to convert it into a five-seat SUV. The base model is expected to cost under $20,000 after federal rebates, though the pre-rebate price is approximately $27,500. The truck will feature a 52.7-kWh battery pack with a range of 150 miles, with an upgraded 84.3-kWh pack offering a 240-mile range. Slate Auto’s design studio is located in North Long Beach, and the EV was unveiled at an event in Long Beach Airport. Reactions online have been mixed, with some praising its customizable nature while others criticize its lack of amenities compared to its price.
— new from Long Beach Watchdog
