Truck or SUV? This Slate Ride Does Both

A Truck That Changes Its Identity

Imagine driving a truck that can turn into an SUV just by adding a few parts. That’s the magic Slate is bringing to the road with its debut electric vehicle.

It’s a bold mix of old-school simplicity and futuristic flexibility. You start with a two-seater pickup, then upgrade it into a five-passenger SUV in your own garage. For drivers tired of overpriced, overdesigned vehicles, this little EV is a breath of fresh air.

It’s Smaller Than You’d Expect

At just under 175 inches long, the Slate Truck is shorter than most sedans. It’s about two feet smaller than Ford’s Maverick pickup.

That makes it perfect for tight streets and small garages. Don’t let the size fool you, it still has a four-foot bed, a frunk under the hood, and a surprising 1,433-pound payload. It’s compact, but it can haul.

SUV Kit Snaps On Like LEGO

Slate’s SUV kit arrives flat-packed, like a box of parts for grown-ups. It includes a roll cage, seats, a roof, and airbags.

You or a mechanic can bolt it together in a few hours. Once installed, the truck becomes a five-seater SUV with real weather protection and added safety features. No need for welding or fancy tools, the parts are designed to fit cleanly.

More Parts, More Range? Yep.

It sounds backward, but the SUV version can actually go farther on a charge. That’s because it has better aerodynamics.

The added roof and smoother shape help it cut through wind more efficiently. Slate’s engineers say the difference is small but noticeable, especially if you’re pushing the limits of the 52.7 kWh battery offering a 150-mile range. While the SUV kit does add weight, the improved airflow balances it out.

No Screens, No Problem

Inside the Slate Truck, there’s no big touchscreen or flashy digital dashboard. Instead, there’s a basic instrument cluster and a phone mount.

You plug in your own phone for navigation and music. It’s a smart way to save money, and it works. There’s something charming about using crank windows and skipping expensive tech that breaks down or goes out of date. This truck doesn’t pretend to be fancy.

The Price Is the Real Star

The Slate Truck is expected to start around $25,000. After federal tax credits, the price could drop under $20,000.

That would make it the cheapest new EV available in the U.S. right now. Slate isn’t chasing luxury buyers or early adopters, it’s going for the everyday driver who needs affordable, useful transportation. That’s a bold move in a market full of six-figure electric SUVs.

Built to Be Bare-Bones

The Slate Truck isn’t loaded with extras, and that’s the point. No leather seats, no power windows, no high-end sound system.

Instead, it comes in one color (flat gray), sits on steel wheels, and has visible screws on the body panels. It’s meant to be customized, not admired for showroom polish. Think of it like a blank slate, pun intended, for your imagination.

Customization Goes Deep

Slate plans to offer over 100 add-ons for the truck. From racks and lights to full-on body kits, there’s something for everyone.

You can make it rugged, sleek, or completely weird—it’s up to you. Accessories can be added at purchase or later, and many are DIY-friendly. Want off-road tires? Easy. Need extra seats? There’s a kit.

The SUV’s Inside Story

Once converted, the SUV version adds three rear seats and a roof, creating a compact family vehicle. But it’s still a two-door setup.

That means climbing into the back takes a bit of effort. Legroom is tight and the seats are low, but there’s plenty of headroom thanks to the boxy design. It’s not luxury, but it’s functional, especially for kids or short trips.

Wrap It Any Way You Want

Don’t like the gray paint? Wrap it in whatever color or design suits your style. Slate actually encourages it.

Instead of charging extra for custom colors, they let you choose how it looks with a vinyl wrap. Flames, stripes, logos, or matte black, it’s all fair game. This approach keeps costs low while giving drivers creative control.

DIY Like a Pro

The SUV kit is designed for weekend warriors. No need for welding or a trip to the dealership, just follow the guide.

Slate University, their online help hub, will walk you through every step. If you’ve ever built furniture or fixed a bike, this should be right up your alley. For those less handy, local partners will offer installation too. Either way, it’s all about choice.

Cargo Gets a Bit Complicated

Adding the SUV kit does change the cargo setup. The rear roll cage bolts down next to the wheel wells, eating into the space.

That makes the bed narrower and more awkward to load. You gain a covered cargo area, but you lose some of the open utility that makes trucks so useful. It’s a trade-off between hauling and hauling people.

Made in the Midwest

Slate plans to build its trucks in Indiana, using a retooled American factory. It’s a return to local car making.

That helps keep costs down and supply chains shorter. It also supports jobs and adds trust; people like knowing their vehicles are built close to home. While other startups go overseas, Slate’s staying domestic.

That’s a point of pride, and one more reason the Slate Truck might appeal to drivers who care about where their dollars go.

Not Fast, But Fast Enough

The Slate Truck has 201 horsepower and rear-wheel drive. It goes from 0 to 60 in about eight seconds.

That’s not going to win any races, but it’ll get you up to speed just fine. The top speed is 90 mph, not a rocket, but totally reasonable for everyday use. The powertrain is built for reliability, not flash. It’s ideal for people who care more about cost and function than bragging rights.

Easy Charging at Home or On the Go

Charging the Slate Truck is simple. Using an 11 kW Level 2 charger, the 52.7 kWh battery can be fully charged in approximately 5 hours.

Or, head to a fast charger and get from 20% to 80% in under 30 minutes. That’s enough for 90–140 miles of range while you grab lunch. The Slate Truck uses a NACS port like Tesla, so finding compatible stations won’t be hard.

Want to see how fast EV charging really stacks up? Check out how I topped off my battery quicker than finishing a latte.

Reserve One for $50 Today

You can reserve a Slate Truck online for just $50, and yes, it’s refundable. That’s less than a night out.

The brand is new, but the concept is solid: a cheap, useful EV that does more than one job. It’s not fancy, but it’s clever. And in a time when everything seems more expensive, that might be exactly what drivers are looking for.

Curious how other trucks are going electric? See how the Silverado’s stepping up as a serious EV workhorse.

Would you drive a shape-shifting car? Drop your thoughts below.

Read More From This Brand:

• Power Outage? This Kia Has You Covered
• Rivian Found a Way to Build Cheaper EVs
• My EV Turned Into a Backup Generator