The article discusses Slate Auto’s new electric truck, which challenges conventional norms in the U.S. EV market by prioritizing simplicity and affordability over range and features. The truck, a small two-door pickup, is shorter than a Honda Civic and features a base model with hand-crank windows. Its lithium iron phosphate battery provides a quoted range of 205 miles, significantly less than competitors like the Tesla Model 3. This focus on austerity allows Slate to price the base model under $25,000, well below the U.S. average new vehicle price of around $50,000.
The article argues that the emphasis on long range in U.S. EVs may be misguided, given that the average American driver covers less than 35 miles daily, with 90% of trips being 20 miles or less. Surveys indicate EV drivers typically use less than 20% of their vehicle’s range daily. In the context of an affordability crisis, an inexpensive EV that eliminates gas costs is presented as an attractive proposition. The success of affordable, shorter-range EVs in China, where half of new vehicles sold are electric, is cited as supporting evidence. Slate plans to begin deliveries in late 2026, with significant investor backing and preorders already secured, suggesting market potential for this minimalist, cost-effective approach.