The global auto market is evolving rapidly. As the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, countless new players are entering the scene. Amid fierce competition, one startup is making waves not just by building an EV, but by creating a truly practical electric pickup truck. That company is Slate Auto.
Unlike most EV startups chasing luxury and high-tech markets, Slate Auto has a different mission: to build an affordable, rugged, and DIY-friendly electric pickup truck.
The Birth of Slate Auto: Backed by Re:Build Manufacturing and Jeff Wilke
Founded in 2022, Slate Auto is supported by Re:Build Manufacturing, a U.S.-based innovation and manufacturing group established by Jeff Wilke, the former CEO of Amazon’s worldwide consumer division. Re:Build aims to revitalize American manufacturing by investing across sectors like aerospace, energy, healthcare, and mobility. But they’re not just investors—they build factories and produce goods themselves.
Slate Auto marks Re:Build Manufacturing’s first mobility initiative, signaling a bold new direction for the automotive industry.
The Leadership Behind Slate Auto
Slate Auto is led by Christine Barman, a Purdue-trained electrical engineer with over 20 years of experience at General Motors, Chrysler, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). She has spearheaded key vehicle programs such as the Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Charger, and Chrysler 300. As a former VP of electrical systems, she also led collaborations with self-driving tech firm Waymo.
Slate Auto's executive team also includes:
- EV engineers from Rivian
- Production optimization experts from Harley-Davidson
- Manufacturing quality specialists from FCA
Together, they blend traditional manufacturing excellence with startup agility.
Introducing the Slate Truck: A Rugged EV Pickup for the Real World
Slate Auto’s first vehicle, the Slate Truck, made a splash upon its 2025 debut—for good reason.
1. Price
- Base model: ~$27,000
- With federal tax credit: under $20,000
This pricing dramatically undercuts competitors like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Ford F-150 Lightning.
2. Materials & Construction
- Body panels made of polypropylene plastic
- Resistant to scratches, dents, and rust
- Color changes via vinyl wrap, not paint
3. Performance
- 52.7kWh battery → ~150 miles (241 km) range
- 84.3kWh battery → ~240 miles (386 km) range
- 201 horsepower, 0–60 mph in ~8 seconds, top speed: 90 mph
4. Customization
- SUV conversion kits in development
- Off-road part options planned
5. Interior: Function Over Flash
- Smartphone mount and USB ports included
- Radio and infotainment system are optional
Crash Safety and Structure
Despite its plastic exterior, the Slate Truck doesn’t compromise on safety:
- High-strength steel door frames
- Reinforced unibody chassis
- 8 airbags, automatic emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian detection—all standard
Internal crash tests are complete, and the company aims to earn top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS before its official launch in 2026.
What About Self-Driving?
The Slate Truck does not offer full self-driving like Tesla. Instead, it includes:
- Level 2 driver assistance
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian detection
- Auto high beams
By focusing on essential safety and cutting unnecessary tech, Slate Auto keeps prices low and reliability high. That said, OTA (Over-The-Air) updates may add features like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control in the future.
Future Expansion Potential
Slate Auto’s flexible platform opens doors to other vehicle types:
- SUV kits: add second-row seats and hardtop
- Commercial van versions: ideal for delivery and logistics
This modular design offers a competitive edge and broad market appeal.
Why the Slate Truck Matters Now
Slate Auto isn’t just building another electric vehicle. It’s creating a truck that anyone can afford, anyone can fix, and that performs reliably in rough conditions. In doing so, it redefines what the EV market should strive for—practicality and accessibility, not just luxury and speed.
While we wait to see how the Slate Truck performs on real roads, one thing is clear: the future of EVs lies not only in cutting-edge tech, but in how widely and effectively these vehicles can be used. And to that question—“Who are EVs really for?”—Slate Auto may have just given us the answer.
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