I drove Slate’s electric truck priced at $24,950. It didn't seem like a $24,950 electric truck.

      Sara Lacey

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      Price hike affects affordability. Initially listed for under $20k with incentives, the Slate Truck now starts at $24,950 without federal tax credits.

      Strong initial demand despite the price. Slate has received 10,000 pre-orders, which shows ongoing consumer interest.

      Customization and DIY charm. The truck features a variety of affordable accessories and DIY options for personalization.

      Comfortable and economical drive. While basic, the Slate Truck offers a pleasant and quiet driving experience.

      Bottom line: Slate's electric truck showcases affordability and customization, but the price increase challenges its overall value.

      AI assisted, editor reviewed

      When first announced last year, Slate indicated that their new Truck would be priced in the low $20,000s. At the time, federal incentives would reduce the final price to below $20k. Now, with federal incentives removed, the emerging automaker has had to adapt.

      Back in April 2025, it seemed reasonable that buyers would be attracted to a straightforward, compact, and budget-friendly truck that highlighted its customization options and ease of ownership. Slate recently noted that they received 180,000 reservations for the truck and continue to stress the need for affordable vehicle options for consumers.

      Sara Lacey

      But what does it mean now that the base Blank Slate Truck is priced at $24,950 to start (excluding an unspecified destination fee) without federal tax credits to cushion the cost? Slate remains hopeful, reporting that their website opened for pre-orders yesterday morning and immediately garnered 10,000 reservations (note that pre-order status requires a $300 deposit). Does this indicate that all potential buyers are unfazed? Not necessarily, but it confirms that 10,000 individuals are interested in a future with the Slate Truck.

      Additionally, it's worth noting that certain states and localities continue to offer incentives. Some states provide actual tax credits (although most buyers must qualify based on income thresholds), while many incentives include discounted charging for a limited time or rebates for setting up a home charger. It's important to understand that buyers won't receive more than their tax burden. Moreover, the majority of these incentives won’t approach the $7,500 federal tax credit that was available until last fall. Therefore, it's beneficial to research available options, though they may not offer significant savings. Slate has a link on their website for checking state-specific incentives.

      Furthermore, the Slate Truck may have an edge in terms of ownership costs compared to non-EV rivals. Electric vehicles require less maintenance, and the current gas prices certainly make EV ownership appealing. While this requires a different perspective beyond just a price discount for the Truck, it's a factor worth considering.

      Sara Lacey

      The main point here is that while the Slate Truck is affordable, it is still one of the least expensive new vehicles available. However, the issue lies in the Truck's simplistic features. What once appeared to be an attractive value proposition in 2025 may now seem less appealing. It's also essential to consider the upper limit of expenses.

      The Slate Truck possesses numerous positive qualities. One advantage is the ability to drive it in an almost completely disconnected manner. The vehicle lacks telematics and relies on its app to provide information back to Slate. It is not inherently connected, collecting only the necessary data to enhance driving performance and improve the vehicle over time via the Slate app. Individuals seeking a break from constant surveillance may be inclined to invest more for that privacy, though future developments remain uncertain.

      Sara Lacey

      Personalization will undoubtedly attract some buyers. The Truck offers various wraps, brakelights, seat upholstery, bezels, trim pieces, and more. One-third of the available accessories are priced under $100. Wraps start at $500 for those who prefer something other than the gray color it comes with. The Truck was intentionally designed for easy wrapping, contributing to its boxy shape.

      And who will apply these wraps? You! There’s a plethora of DIY options for your Slate Truck. Excitingly, you can order an SUV kit that arrives flat-packed for you to assemble at home. If you’re not inclined to tackle such a project after assembling your Scandinavian furniture, you can hire a local Slate mechanic through RepairPal.

      Sara Lacey

      Determining the appropriate price threshold for the Slate Truck has been challenging, especially since no one outside of Slate has experienced riding in one until now. Would concerns about the price still remain after a test drive? I’m only here to partially address this question, as I had the opportunity to sit in the Slate Truck and take a ride (not drive). I was driven around a block in Los Angeles, and here’s what I discovered.

      The Blank Slate Truck features bucket seats and a center console with cup holders and open storage bins. The seats are comfortable, pleasantly soft, and surprisingly wide—though I had anticipated they would be narrower and sportier