- All Slate models will have the same basic gray finish from the factory.
- Customers will be offered roughly 100 different wrap designs for the pickup.
- Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the EV could start in the mid-$20,000s.
While many have questioned the staying power of Slate Auto since its launch 14 months ago, the American EV startup is inching closer to production of its long-awaited compact pickup truck. Ahead of Slate’s June 24 unveiling of the production-spec model, it has revealed some new details.
For starters, demand in the model appears strong, with Slate already reporting reservations covering the first year of production. Admittedly, it’s a little too early to know how many of these reservations will convert into orders, as final pricing details won’t be confirmed until June 24.
Read: Slate Will Take Your Order For Its Cheap EV On June 24, Price Sold Separately
As we’ve learned over the past year, Slate is going about things differently to slash costs and make its EV more affordable. Every example will leave the production line looking identical, all finished in the same shade of gray. Buyers can then order a range of accessories to make their Slate stand out. There won’t be any paint options, but there will be “54 basic wraps and 45-50 with metallic finishes and other designs,” Slate chief executive Peter Faricy told the Detroit Free Press.
Do It Yourself, Or Don’t Do It At All
Crucially, Slate won’t apply these wraps. Instead, customers will be tasked with doing it themselves or hiring an expert to do it for them. Also helping Slate save on production costs is the EV’s use of cheap plastic body panels, which means it doesn’t need to invest in expensive metal stamping equipment.
It will also be up to buyers to fit any accessories they choose. Slate promises that installation will be easy, with a dedicated app that offers instructions and informs buyers about the difficulty of fitting these parts. Those who don’t consider themselves capable DIYers can use the RepairPal network to have parts fitted.
In addition to pricing details remaining a mystery, we also don’t know how Slate will handle deliveries, as it doesn’t operate any dealerships or showrooms, and plans to sell its EV in all 50 states.
As mentioned, more details about the Slate will be announced at its unveiling on June 24. When that date comes around, interested buyers will be able to lock in a pre-order for $300.
