Slate's $25,000 Electric Truck: Early Review Finds More Comfort Than Expected

A prototype of Slate’s stripped-down electric truck has been taken for an early spin in Massachusetts, and the verdict is more favorable than the spec sheet might suggest. Despite manual windows, steel wheels and a cabin still full of placeholder panels, the little pickup impressed reviewer Tedward with its ride comfort and surprising punch.

That $24,950 starting price — **$26,400 once destination charges are added** — buys very little in the way of frills. What it apparently does buy is a truck that behaves better on the road than its bargain-bin billing implies.

Comfort Steals the Show

The biggest surprise wasn’t speed, it was the ride. Over broken pavement and tram tracks, the Slate held up well, and the seating position earned particular praise from a reviewer recovering from a back injury — by the end of the drive, he said the pain had largely faded from his mind.

One-pedal driving is generally well sorted too, although the accelerator can feel sharp when you first set off. Around town, the truck feels eager and responsive, with enough muscle to overtake at around 40 mph. “It’s got plenty. It’s got what it needs,” Tedward summed up.

At highway pace, the truck tracks straight and feels planted, with none of the mirror whistle he had anticipated and very little body lean in the bends. The rear-wheel-drive layout and apparent agility left him daydreaming about autocross runs and winter driving events.

Key Specs: Single 181 hp rear motor · 65 kWh LFP battery · ~205 mi projected range (manufacturer estimate) · ~30 min 20–80% DC charging · From $24,950 ($26,400 with destination)

Rough Edges Remain

This is still an unfinished prototype, and it shows. Steering effort shifts noticeably through a turn, the switchgear feels flimsy, and the placeholder cabin panels rattle over bumps. Judging the interior in this state, frankly, isn’t possible.

The Slate formula is deliberately austere: physical controls, room for personalization, and accessories designed to be bolted on at home. The hitch receiver, for instance, costs $99.99 and can reportedly be fitted with four bolts in about half an hour.

The $25K Bet

Slate — backed by Jeff Bezos — is asking buyers to give up a long list of features. The question is whether the driving experience makes that trade feel fair rather than punishing.

Early signs are encouraging. Buyers can now sample a truck at Slate’s first Chicago showroom, and some preorder holders have reportedly been offered December delivery windows. The official EPA range figure is still pending, so the 205-mile claim remains just that for now.

Whether a bare-bones EV pickup can win over mainstream buyers is the real test — and it’s one this prototype has at least started on the right foot.