Slate Auto: Everything you need to know about the Bezos-backed EV startup

Slate Auto, a stealth EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, emerged publicly in April 2025 after operating secretly for three years in Troy, Michigan. The company aims to disrupt the electric vehicle market with an ultra-cheap, highly customizable electric pickup truck initially priced around $25,000 before tax credits. Leveraging expertise from former Harley-Davidson and Chrysler employees, Slate’s vehicle stands out by offering extensive customization options, including changes to the truck’s silhouette, seating, and accessories, positioning itself as an analog, “anti-Tesla” alternative with a minimalist base model featuring 150 miles of range and no power windows or infotainment system. Following TechCrunch’s initial report revealing Slate’s existence, prototypes of the truck appeared publicly in California, generating buzz with concept versions resembling SUVs and hatchbacks to showcase the vehicle’s transformable design. Slate officially launched the truck in late April 2025, announcing a base price under $20,000 when factoring in the