Slate Auto is the electric-vehicle startup behind a small, deliberately simple pickup that can be converted into a five-seat SUV. It attracted attention after reporting linked Jeff Bezos’s family office to the company, but Slate is not owned by Amazon and Bezos is not its CEO.
For potential buyers, the more important questions are practical: what the truck costs, what it can do, when deliveries may begin, and what financial risks come with paying for a vehicle that is still in preproduction.
What is Slate Auto?
Slate Auto is a privately held U.S. electric-vehicle company headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The project began in 2022 as Re:Car inside Re:Build Manufacturing before becoming an independent company.
Slate says its vehicles are designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan, and will be assembled in Warsaw, Indiana. The planned factory is a converted former printing facility previously associated with R.R. Donnelley & Sons and LSC Communications.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Theme: Sport
- Toy vehicle form: Car
- Included components: Batteries
- Material: Metal
The company’s first product is the Slate Truck, a two-door, rear-wheel-drive electric pickup. Its unusual selling point is that buyers can add modular body panels and accessories to turn the pickup into either a Squareback or Fastback five-seat SUV.
What does Jeff Bezos have to do with Slate?
Jeff Bezos is an investor in Slate, not the company’s owner or chief executive. Reporting by TechCrunch linked Bezos’s family office to Slate through corporate and government filings. The amount invested has not been disclosed.
Melinda Lewison, who manages Bezos’s family office, was listed as a Slate director. Other reported investors include Mark Walter, the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and CEO of Guggenheim Partners, and Thomas Tull.
Calling Slate an “Amazon-backed EV” is misleading if it suggests Amazon owns or operates the business. The more accurate description is a privately held EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos’s family office. Bezos’s former Amazon connection is also relevant to Slate’s leadership: Peter Faricy, who became CEO in March 2026, previously served as an Amazon Marketplace vice president.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Slate’s current leadership and funding
Peter Faricy became CEO in March 2026. Christine “Chris” Barman, Slate’s first CEO, moved into the role of President of Vehicles. Older articles may still identify Barman as CEO because they were published before that change.
Slate raised at least $111 million in its 2023 Series A. On April 13, 2026, the company announced a $650 million Series C led by TWG Global. TechCrunch reported that the round brought Slate’s publicly reported total funding to roughly $1.4 billion.
Those figures represent company financing, not money that individual customers should assume guarantees production. A heavily funded startup can still face battery-supply problems, manufacturing delays, cost overruns or weaker-than-expected demand.
How much will the Slate Truck cost?
The currently advertised price for the Blank Slate Truck is $24,950. That is before taxes, title, registration, documentation fees, destination charges and optional equipment. Slate lists a $1,450 destination charge, so a buyer’s actual pre-tax price begins above the headline figure even before selecting accessories.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- [ROKR's First EV Model] 3D wooden tractor locomotive puzzle to reproduce the steam locomotive in a ratio of 1:28. The whole electric vehicle includes two parts: the body and the trailer, with a built-in micro motor driving the gears to move the wheels forward. The chimney and cotton at the front of the car simulate smoke effects, and the design of the flame atmosphere lamp further restores the theme of the steam era.
- [Meet Your Needs] 469pcs of assembled parts, with a size of 14x4.7x5.7 inches. Accessories including laser-cut wooden puzzles, illustrated manuals, screws, screwdrivers, springs, rubber tires, battery boxes, etc., with just 5 hours of patience to build, you will get a retro style steam engine tractor assembly model.
- [Multiple Functions] This steam engine vehicle can travel in both forward and reverse directions, and manually switch between three gears for speed change. The bottom spring shock absorber makes it across small obstacles; Piston cylinder is a microcosm of the mechanical industry era, reminding people of the history of progress. ROKR always adheres to the principle of learning through play to make people feel the charm of DIY.
- [Meaningful Gift] This gift is a good choice for adults on Father's Day, and for children or teens on Christmas. It can allow you to feel the fun of electric steam car model, while exercising hand eye coordination skills during the assembly 3d puzzles process. Whether you are an experienced puzzle player or a beginner, you will find that this wooden puzzle is both challenging and has many benefits
- [Tip] The mechanical gears need to be rubbed with wax blocks, which will make them smoother to use. You only need to prepare on your own that two AAA batteries to start the car to move. If you meet any problems during the building process of this handicraft, ROKR will provide you with solutions and guidance.
The Squareback and Fastback SUV configurations are listed from $29,950. Those prices can rise as buyers add wheels, body kits, interior equipment, audio options and other accessories.
| Configuration | Advertised starting price | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Blank Slate Truck | $24,950 | Before taxes, fees, destination and options |
| Squareback SUV | $29,950 | Starting price; options may increase the total |
| Fastback SUV | $29,950 | Starting price; options may increase the total |
Early Slate materials promoted a price below $20,000 after potential federal incentives. That is not the current advertised price. Buyers should also avoid treating an incentive as guaranteed: eligibility depends on the vehicle, the buyer’s tax situation and the rules in effect when the purchase occurs.
Range, charging and capability
Slate’s current manufacturer-estimated specifications include a 65-kWh battery pack, approximately 63 kWh usable, with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The truck uses one rear motor and rear-wheel drive.
| Specification | Slate’s current figure |
|---|---|
| Projected range | 205 miles |
| Motor output | 135 kW |
| Torque | 264 Nm |
| Maximum towing | 2,000 pounds |
| Maximum payload | 1,550 pounds |
| Charging connector | NACS |
| Level 2 charging | Approximately four hours from 20% to 100% |
| DC fast charging | Approximately 30 minutes from 20% to 80% |
The 205-mile figure is a projected manufacturer estimate, not an official EPA range rating. Slate says the vehicle remains in preproduction and that specifications may change. That distinction matters when comparing the truck with vehicles that already have certified EPA figures.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe truck’s range and rear-wheel-drive layout may suit commuting, errands and light-duty work. It is less obviously suited to buyers who regularly tow long distances, drive in severe winter conditions or need a long highway range. Towing, cold weather, speed and payload can all reduce real-world range.
Why the minimalist design matters to buyers
Slate is taking a different approach from automakers that use large central screens and highly integrated technology. The company emphasizes tactile controls, no central touchscreen and an accessories marketplace that lets owners change the vehicle over time.
That strategy could reduce the cost and complexity of the base vehicle, but it creates trade-offs. Buyers who expect built-in navigation, extensive driver-assistance features or a fully equipped cabin may need to budget for accessories—or may find the truck does not match their needs.
The modular concept could also affect long-term ownership costs. A vehicle that can be updated with body kits may be more adaptable, but each added component is another purchase. Prospective owners should price the version they actually want rather than relying on the base-model headline.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Twizy - 5111D Model Vehicle
- 5" Scale Collectible Model Electric Car
- This is a 5"Lx 2.5"Wx 3.25"H Diecast Metal model with some plastic parts
- Pullback Motor Action
- 1 car, no box
Ordering, deposits and expected deliveries
Slate sells directly to consumers and says it will not use traditional dealerships. The company’s $50 reservation program is closed. It now accepts preorders intended to secure a delivery window.
- Review the current configuration and price on Slate’s website.
- Submit the required preorder deposit.
- Confirm the total cost, including destination, taxes, registration, documentation and options.
- Wait for Slate’s purchase and delivery instructions as production approaches.
The preorder deposit is $300, or $250 for customers with an active reservation. Slate says the deposit is nonrefundable but will count toward the purchase price. That makes the deposit a real financial commitment, not simply a no-cost place in line.
Slate currently expects first customer deliveries in late 2026, specifically the fourth quarter of 2026. The company reported more than 180,000 reservation holders as of June 24, 2026. That number is not the same as 180,000 paid orders or guaranteed deliveries. Reservation holders may cancel, fail to complete an order or face a delivery schedule that changes as production is scaled.
Factory plans and the production risk
Slate says it plans to invest nearly $400 million in its Warsaw factory and create more than 2,000 jobs. It also projects up to $39 billion in economic impact for Indiana over 20 years. That last figure is a company projection, not realized economic output.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallMoving from prototypes to mass production is one of the largest risks facing any new automaker. Slate must establish reliable supply chains, pass regulatory and safety testing, build vehicles consistently and provide service and parts after delivery. A factory announcement and substantial funding improve the company’s prospects, but neither guarantees that vehicles will arrive on schedule.
What should a potential buyer budget for?
A buyer considering Slate should calculate the full ownership cost rather than stopping at $24,950. A basic budget should include:
- the vehicle price and $1,450 destination charge;
- sales tax, title, registration and documentation fees;
- the desired SUV conversion or other accessories;
- home charging equipment and possible electrical work;
- insurance, maintenance, tires and charging costs;
- financing interest, if the purchase is not paid in cash; and
- a cash reserve in case delivery is delayed or the final specification changes.
Because the preorder deposit is nonrefundable, buyers should not place an order using money needed for rent, emergency savings or existing debt payments. It is also sensible to wait for final pricing, EPA range figures, financing terms, warranty details and service coverage before treating the vehicle as a confirmed purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Slate a good deal?
On paper, Slate offers an uncommon combination: a low starting price for an EV, pickup utility, a potential five-seat SUV conversion and a simple interior. The 2,000-pound towing rating and 1,550-pound payload figure also make it more useful than a purely urban commuter.
Rank #4
- COMPATIBILITY -FOCSPROD J1772 to Tesla charger adapter is compatible with Tesla Model 3, Y, X, S, Cybertruck (A clean Inspect charging port helps charging). Compatible with Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured after 2020
- MULTIPLE CHARGING OPTIONS -This J1772 to Tesla adapter supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Charge at home, at work, or on the go, giving another option to charge for Tesla owners
- SAFE CHARGING -for Tesla charging adapter is made of PC material and has silver-plated pins. This J1772 to NACS adapter is SGS certified to comply with the UL 2252 standard for safety
- FUNCTIONALITY -J1772 adapter Up to 80A of power at 110V-250V, for Tesla adapter standard charging in any condition across temperatures from -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C)
- EASY TO USE - for Tesla charge adapter is compact and portable. Simply plug it into compatible J1772 charger, then connect to your Tesla to start charging
The compromises are equally clear. The truck is still preproduction, its range is not EPA-certified, the base configuration is sparse, and the final cost can move well above the advertised price. Delivery timing and service support remain important unanswered questions for anyone making a near-term transportation plan.
For a buyer who values low upfront cost, customization and modest daily driving, Slate may be worth following. For someone who needs a vehicle immediately, depends on long-distance towing or cannot absorb a delayed delivery, an established EV or a conventional used vehicle may be the safer financial choice.
FAQ
Is Jeff Bezos the owner of Slate Auto?
No. Jeff Bezos is reported to be an investor through his family office. Slate is not an Amazon subsidiary, and Bezos is not the company’s CEO.
How much does the Slate Truck cost?
Slate currently advertises the Blank Slate Truck from $24,950 before taxes, title, registration, documentation fees, destination and options. Slate lists a $1,450 destination charge. The Squareback and Fastback SUV configurations start at $29,950.
When will Slate vehicles be delivered?
Slate currently expects first customer deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company remains in preproduction, so timing and specifications may change.
Is the Slate Truck’s 205-mile range official?
No. The 205-mile figure is Slate’s current manufacturer projection and is not an official EPA estimate. Real-world range can vary with weather, speed, payload, towing and driving conditions.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Slate Auto is a Bezos-family-office-backed EV startup, not an Amazon vehicle. Its planned truck starts at $24,950 before fees and can be converted into a five-seat SUV, but buyers are committing to a preproduction vehicle with a projected—not EPA-certified—205-mile range. Treat the preorder deposit as nonrefundable, budget for the fully equipped and delivered price, and wait for final specifications, financing, warranty and service details before making the purchase part of your financial plan.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
