The journey of electric vehicle startup Slate Auto has been anything but straightforward. After years of promising an affordable electric pickup truck for the masses, the company is finally preparing to open preorders on June 24. Yet one major detail remains under wraps: the actual price customers will pay.
The announcement comes as anticipation continues to build around the startup’s minimalist electric truck, which has attracted significant attention for its ambitious goal of making EV ownership more accessible.
Affordable EV Dream Faces New Challenges
When Slate Auto was founded four years ago, its vision was clear. The company aimed to launch an electric vehicle priced below $20,000, a figure that would have made it one of the most affordable EVs in the United States.
However, changes in federal incentives altered those plans. The removal of the $7,500 EV tax credit significantly impacted the economics of producing a vehicle at that price point. As a result, Slate now says its truck will start somewhere in the “mid-$20,000” range, though the exact figure will not be revealed until preorder day.
For prospective buyers, that means committing to the preorder process without knowing the final sticker price in advance.
How the Preorder Process Will Work
According to details shared with reservation holders, customers who have already secured a reservation will receive a dedicated delivery window and a link to complete their preorder on June 24.
To move forward, buyers must place a non-refundable deposit of $300. Those who previously paid the $50 reservation fee will have that amount applied toward the deposit. Reservation holders will have a 30-day period to complete this step.
If customers miss the deadline, they can still place an order later, but their delivery position will move further back in the queue. The deposit will ultimately be credited toward the final purchase price of the vehicle.
Strong Interest Despite Limited Details
Despite the unanswered pricing questions, consumer interest appears remarkably strong. Slate Auto reportedly has more than 160,000 reservation holders waiting for additional details.
The company plans to provide buyers with customization options later this year, including vehicle wraps, accessories, financing choices, and delivery preferences. These decisions are expected to be finalized during the fall before production ramps up.
Long Wait Ahead for Customers
While preorders are finally arriving, deliveries remain a distant prospect. Slate says customers should expect to receive their vehicles starting in mid-2027.
In the meantime, the company plans to give potential buyers opportunities to view the truck in person. However, it has not yet disclosed where these showcases will take place or how the events will be organized.
For now, June 24 marks a significant milestone for the startup. Yet until the final pricing details are revealed, many prospective buyers may remain cautiously optimistic. The coming weeks will determine whether Slate’s vision of a budget-friendly electric pickup can maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive EV market.
