Automotive
Electric vehicle startup Slate reveals low-cost truck relying on drivers' mobile devices
The Bezos-backed company achieves a $24,950 base price by replacing traditional infotainment systems with smartphone mounts and optional add-on accessories.
The short version
- EV startup Slate introduced an electric truck starting at $24,950, which omits built-in infotainment hardware and instead relies on drivers mounting their own smartphones or tablets.
- The vehicle comes in three body configurations—pickup, enclosed SUV, and fastback—with fully loaded builds pricing up to $46,493.
- Cabin components such as integrated audio speakers, tablet mounts, steering wheel controls, and a telematics module are sold as add-on purchases or subscriptions.
- Specific delivery timelines and pricing for several key accessories have not yet been disclosed by the company.
Key facts
- The Slate Truck starts at $24,950 for the entry-level 'Blank Slate' pickup model, with fully configured options reaching up to $46,493.[Engadget]
- The vehicle relies on a driver's mobile phone or tablet to act as the primary cabin screen using an integrated mount and USB port rather than a traditional built-in infotainment console.[Engadget]
- To satisfy legal requirements for reverse viewing, the vehicle includes a small four-inch LCD display located behind the steering wheel that displays the backup camera feed.[Engadget]
- The platform comes in three main body styles—a two-seat pickup, an enclosed SUV, and a fastback—with an available open-air body kit that adds removable roof panels and seating for three extra passengers.[Engadget]
- Slate offers optional integrated audio components starting at $249.99 for a front center speaker, alongside a $275 telematics module for smartphone connectivity and remote controls.[Engadget]