Slate Auto, a Michigan-based startup, is betting that low price rather than long range will win over EV buyers, launching its "Blank Slate" pickup and SUV from just $24,950 against an average new-car price of over $50,000. The trade-off is a modest driving range that lags well behind rival electric trucks, raising the question of whether affordability alone can compensate for reduced capability in a market where range anxiety remains a major buyer concern.

The Blank Slate uses a 135 kW rear motor producing 181 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque and 2,000 pounds of towing capacity, performance roughly comparable to the 2026 Ford Maverick, with a 0-60mph time of about 8 seconds. Its 63 kWh battery delivers an estimated 205 miles of range, well short of competitors offering 280 to 450 miles, though Slate argues this is a deliberate trade-off to keep weight and costs down for typical daily driving. The truck supports DC fast charging to 80% in 30 minutes, a 5-hour full charge on a Level 2 charger, and Slate has partnered with Treehouse for home charging installs; production is due to begin at its Warsaw, Indiana factory later this year, with reservations open via a $300 preorder.