Slate’s $25K EV Truck

Electric Pickup Buzz

There’s quite the buzz in the EV community after a mysterious camouflaged electric pickup truck was spotted in Los Angeles. The vehicle’s appearance coincides with word that Amazon’s Jeff Bezos is backing Slate Auto, a Michigan EV startup. Slate Auto has hinted at a $25,000 electric pickup truck expected to launch in late 2026. The company remains tight-lipped, but plans to reveal more on April 23.

Details So Far

A tech insider confirmed to TechCrunch that the EV spotted is indeed Slate Auto’s creation. The first video teaser shared with Newsweek provides scarce details, offering a glimpse of the grille, but not much else. The pickup is reportedly a compact, two-door model, set to be the company’s affordable electric option.

Spotted in LA

An image uploaded to Reddit showed this vehicle being unloaded from a flatbed in a Los Angeles location. The flatbed appears linked to “Time Towing LLC,” though the full logo isn’t entirely visible. Observers noted the truck’s peculiar design, blending elements from a Range Rover and a Jeep Renegade. The absence of a traditional grille hints it’s designed for electric propulsion, supported by what seems to be a charging port at the rear.

The Driving Experience

While actual driving impressions await, one can speculate on how the Slate Auto truck might perform. With its boxy design, it could offer a ride similar to a crossover, like a Jeep Renegade, but with the quiet, instant torque that electric drives provide. If designed well, this truck could compete with current compact pickups by providing the practicality of a utility vehicle without the clutter and bulk.

Industry Speculations

The Reddit community quickly speculated on the debut vehicle. Some opine it could be Slate Auto’s prototype, while others suggest connections to brands like Rivian or personal custom builds. As speculation mounts, no solid evidence has yet tied the vehicle to any existing brand outside Slate’s teasing announcement.

What’s Next?

Founded in 2022, Slate Auto has been pragmatic about their approach, pulling talent from automakers like Ford, GM, and new EV ventures like Fisker. Their aim is clear: develop an electric pickup truck at a bargain for users. With a planned release still a couple of years away, all eyes will be on Slate Auto on April 23 for their upcoming announcement.

For those intrigued by the mystery vehicle, further insights or an accidental glimpse could add more pieces to this emerging puzzle. Enthusiasts and skeptics alike are invited to follow the journey of what could be a game-changing addition to the EV market.