Jeff Bezos Supports Innovative $20,000 Compact Electric Pickup Truck

Jeff Bezos is throwing his weight behind a new electric vehicle startup aiming to shake up the industry: Slate Auto. The company has just unveiled the Slate Truck, an affordable, modular electric pickup truck that’s turning heads for its stripped-down, back-to-basics approach—and its remarkably low price tag. After federal incentives, the Slate Truck will cost just $20,000, a figure almost unheard of in an EV market dominated by far pricier options.

The base model of the Slate Truck flies in the face of current automotive trends. Buyers will find no power windows, no touchscreen, and a minimalist dashboard, yet the truck boasts a high level of customization allowing it to be transformed into a five-seat SUV with add-on kits. This design philosophy focuses on essentials and modularity rather than luxury tech features.

Compact Yet Capable

Physically, the Slate Truck is a compact pickup, measuring 174.6 inches long and 70.6 inches wide, standing just over 69 inches tall. That’s more than 20 inches shorter than many rivals, hearkening back to classics like the 1985 Toyota pickup. The truck sits on a 108.9-inch wheelbase and features a five-foot bed with 37 cubic feet of cargo space, larger than some competitors in its class.

Under the hood, the Slate Truck is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The rear-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about eight seconds and tops out near 90 mph. Buyers can choose between two battery packs: a standard 52.7 kWh offering an estimated 150-mile range, or an optional 84.3 kWh version for up to 240 miles per charge.

Charging the Slate Truck is flexible and fast, with an 11 kW onboard AC charger and DC fast charging up to 120 kW via a NACS connector. According to the company, that means recharging from 20% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Practicality remains front and center, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,433 pounds and a towing limit of 1,000 pounds.

Focus on Safety and Simplicity

Despite its minimalist ethos, safety has not been overlooked. Standard features include:

• Traction control
• Electronic stability control
• Automated emergency braking
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Up to eight airbags

The company is targeting a five-star NCAP safety rating. The Slate Truck has a curb weight of approximately 3,600 pounds.

Backed by Major Investors and Big Ambitions

Slate Auto, founded in 2022, has already secured $111 million in funding from Jeff Bezos and investors such as Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter. The mission: disrupt the EV sector by making electric trucks accessible to budget-conscious consumers—a striking contrast to an industry largely focused on premium, technology-laden models from companies like Tesla and Ford.

Production will begin at a repurposed paper facility in Warsaw, Indiana, reflecting the company’s unconventional approach. With affordability and flexibility at the core of its vision, Slate Auto aims to carve out a unique niche and challenge established automakers with its innovative business model.

Modular “Lego Set” Customization

One of Slate Truck’s most distinctive features is its extensive modularity. The vehicle starts as a minimalist two-seater but can become a five-seat SUV by adding a kit including rear seats, a roll cage, and additional airbags. Over 100 accessories will be available, from roof racks to all-terrain tires and lift kits. Even the exterior can be customized with wraps rather than paint, and Slate offers a DIY wrapping kit for owners who want to change their truck’s look at home. This flexibility echoes the spirit of building a vehicle to fit your life—much like assembling a personalized Lego creation.

Reservations Open, Deliveries in 2026

Interested buyers can reserve a Slate Truck with a refundable $50 deposit. The company projects that customer deliveries will begin in late 2026, giving consumers a fresh alternative in the booming electric pickup market.

With a radically affordable price tag, robust customization options, and financial backing from one of the world’s top entrepreneurs, the Slate Truck may be poised to redefine what Americans expect from an electric vehicle—both in terms of cost and creativity.