I took a ride in Slate’s $24,950 electric truck, and it didn't come across as a $24,950 vehicle.

      Sara Lacey

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      Rising prices impact affordability. Initially priced below $20,000 with incentives, the Slate Truck now begins at $24,950 without federal tax credits.

      Strong early interest despite the price. Slate has received 10,000 pre-orders, showing persistent consumer demand.

      Customization and DIY possibilities. The truck includes many inexpensive accessories and DIY choices for personal touches.

      Comfortable and fuel-efficient ride. Though basic in features, the Slate Truck offers a cozy and quiet driving experience.

      In summary: The Slate electric truck combines affordability and customization, but the price increase raises concerns about its value.

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      When first announced last year, Slate indicated that their new truck would be priced in the low $20,000s. At that point, federal incentives were applicable, bringing the final cost below $20,000. Now, with federal incentives eliminated, the new automaker has had to adjust.

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

      But what now for the basic Blank Slate Truck, which will start at $24,950 (before an undisclosed destination fee) without any federal tax credit for assistance? Slate remains hopeful, mentioning that their web portal for pre-orders opened yesterday morning and garnered 10,000 orders instantly (note that pre-ordering requires a $300 deposit). Does this imply that all potential customers are unaffected by the price increase? Not necessarily, but it does indicate that there are 10,000 individuals interested in a future with the Slate Truck.

      Also, a friendly reminder that certain states and municipalities are still providing incentives. Some states have actual tax credits (though buyers often need to meet specific income qualifications), and many incentives include discounted charging for a certain period or rebates for installing home chargers. It’s important to note that buyers won’t receive any refund beyond their tax liability. Furthermore, the majority of these incentives will not approach the $7,500 maximum tax credit offered by the federal government until last fall. Therefore, conducting thorough research could yield some benefits, albeit limited. Slate has a link on its website to help you discover available incentives in your state.

      Moreover, it should be mentioned that the Slate Truck could have a lower cost-of-ownership compared to its non-electric competitors. EVs generally require less maintenance, and given the current high fuel prices, the appeal of owning an EV is considerable. While this approach requires a different perspective than merely focusing on the truck's price discount, it is certainly a factor worth considering.

      The central issue here isn’t whether the Slate Truck is affordable; it is. The Truck remains one of the least expensive new vehicles available. However, the catch is that the Truck is quite basic. What seemed like an attractive value option in 2025 may be perceived differently now. It's crucial to also contemplate the higher end of the price range.

      The Slate Truck boasts several positive traits. One notable feature is the ability to drive the truck while minimizing connectivity. There are no built-in telematics; instead, the Slate Truck utilizes its app to collect data. This means it is not a natively connected vehicle but gathers data needed to enhance driving dynamics and improve the vehicle over time through the Slate app. Individuals seeking to escape constant surveillance may be inclined to spend more for increased privacy, but the future remains uncertain.

      Personalization will certainly attract some buyers. The Truck offers various customization options, including wraps, brake lights, seat upholstery, bezels, and trim pieces. Roughly one-third of the available accessories for the Truck are priced under $100. Wraps begin at $500 for those who wish to change the default gray color. The design of the Truck takes wrapping into account, contributing to its boxy shape.

      And who will do the wrapping? You! There are numerous DIY options available for your Slate Truck. It's quite appealing to know that you can purchase an SUV kit, which will be delivered flat-packed to your home for self-installation. If DIY isn’t your thing, you can have a local Slate mechanic complete the installation through RepairPal.

      It has also been challenging to establish what the appropriate price point for the Slate Truck should be since no one outside of Slate has had the chance to experience one until now. Will concerns about pricing dissipate once someone actually experiences the truck? I can only partially address this since I had the opportunity to sit in the Slate Truck and take a short ride, rather than drive it. I was driven around a block in Los Angeles, and here are my observations.

      The Blank Slate Truck features bucket seats and a center console with cup holders and open