Slate Opens First Showroom as $25,000 Electric Truck Nears Production

Electric truck manufacturer Slate has opened its first customer experience center (showroom) in Chicago, moving closer to the production of its $24,950 electric pickup truck. Located in a former Tesla store, this center allows potential buyers to explore a prototype, check out customization options, and pre-order a new Slate Truck with a $300 deposit.

Highlights

• Slate's first showroom has opened in Chicago, offering prospective customers a chance to experience the prototype.
• The truck aims to be one of the most affordable electric pickups on the market, with a starting price of around $25,000.
• It features a minimalist interior, manual windows, and a projected range of 205 miles (329 kilometers).
• The company reports "incredible" satisfaction with the number of $300 deposit orders received since opening.
• Initial deliveries are planned for investors and employees by late 2026, with early pre-order customers receiving their trucks in early 2027.

Details

The Slate Experience Center, located in the Fulton Market District, provides a space for customers to examine a single prototype up close. Although the truck's base color is gray, the showroom displays an older, hand-built black prototype. Customers can get inside the truck and explore customization options. Slate officials note that most customers are opting for the truck configuration and personalizing their vehicles in the "Slate Garage."

Slate states it will maintain the $24,950 sticker price. Steve Purdy, Manager of Customer Experience, mentioned that the company would ship some trucks by the end of the year, but these would go to investors and employees. Early pre-order customers are expected to receive their vehicles in early 2027. For service, Slate will utilize the RepairNow system, which partners with 4,000 repair shops. The truck's plastic exterior panels can be easily replaced by owners in case of minor damage.

Why it matters

The Slate Truck could fill a significant gap in the market by offering a much more affordable option compared to other electric pickups. Its accessibility, especially when compared to models like the Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, or Chevy Silverado EV, could appeal to a broad customer base. However, the main challenge for the company will be maintaining prototype quality in mass production. A successful production process could establish Slate as a key player in the electric vehicle market.