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A compact model that promises to revolutionize the market, combining accessibility, simple design and innovative features that challenge the standards of the automotive industry.
Slate Auto, a new American startup, is breaking barriers in the automotive market with the launch of an innovative pickup truck model.
Known as Slate Truck, the compact pickup truck aims to attract consumers with an affordable price and a simple, yet functional design.
The model is here to be an option for consumers looking for practicality, functionality and, above all, low price, with sales expected to begin in the United States from 2026, starting from U.S. $ one thousand 20 (about R$ 113 thousand).
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Startup with a big name behind it: Jeff Bezos is an investor in Slate Auto
Slate Auto was created in 2022 and has Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, as one of its main investors.
The brand aims to challenge the automotive industry by bringing a product that promises to be more affordable without losing the essential quality.
According to the company's CEO, Chris Bartender, Slate was created to “give power back to customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.”
And, to achieve this, simplicity is the main point that the company seeks to highlight in its products.
Slate Truck's proposition: affordable price and essential features
The model Slate Truck does not stand out for its luxury or sophistication, but for its accessibility proposal.
With a simpler design and without aesthetic exaggerations, the pickup truck has compact dimensions, being smaller than the Fiat Strada.
Its measurements are 4,43 meters long, 1,79 meters wide, 1,76 meters high and 2,76 meters wheelbase, which makes it ideal for those who need a vehicle for work, but do not want or need a large model.
Standard wheels have 17 inches, but it is possible to opt for models up to 20 inches, paying an extra amount.
The model comes equipped with a bucket that offers 994 liters of useful capacity to the sides and an additional compartment, the “frunk”, in the front, with more 198 liters of capacity.
A cargo area has 1,52 meters long, being able to carry up to 635 kg, while the towing limit is 450 kg.
The total weight of the vehicle is 1.635 kg, making it light and easy to handle.
Simplified interior: essential features and a focus on safety
the inside of Slate Truck also follows the proposal of simplicity. The more affordable versions come with manual windows and manually adjustable rearview mirrors, features reminiscent of older vehicles.
Furthermore, the model does not have a multimedia system, offering the buyer only one smartphone holder in the central panel.
However, Slate has invested in security, offering six airbags, automatic emergency braking system e reverse camera.
Camera images are projected onto the instrument panel, providing greater convenience while driving.
SUV transformation: a Slate Truck differential
One of the main differences of the model Slate Truck is the possibility of transforming the pickup into an SUV.
Slate offers buyers a conversion kit which includes protection bars, hood, side windows, three-seater rear bench, roof rack and even airbags for extra occupants.
The most interesting thing is that the buyers themselves will be able to install these accessories, following the instructions provided by the brand, making the conversion possible in a matter of hours.
Direct-to-consumer sales: a business model inspired by Tesla
Just like Tesla, Slate Car also opts for sale direct to consumer, eliminating the need for dealerships.
Additionally, the company is already planning to build local service centers to offer maintenance and assistance to your customers.
This approach can be an attractive point for those looking for a more direct purchasing experience without intermediaries.
Slate Truck’s electric motor and performance: efficiency meets power
Mechanically, the Slate Truck is equipped with an engine single electric, rear-wheel drive, which delivers 204 horsepower e 27 kgfm of torque.
Performance is focused on efficiency, without leaving aside the power required for a model in this category.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 8 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 145 km/h.
In terms of autonomy, the model comes as standard with 52,7 kWh battery, which guarantees 240 km of autonomy, according to the EPA cycle.
However, the buyer can opt for a battery more, 84,3 kWh, providing 385 km of autonomy.
Battery cells are supplied by South Korean SK Hon, which is also a supplier to other automakers, such as Hyundai e Kia.
Slate Auto's Future: Mass Production and Ambitious Goals
Slate Auto has already started pre-sales of the Slate Truck, with delivery of the first units scheduled for the end of 2026.
The company is also in the process of building a factory in the United States, with the goal of achieving 150 thousand units per year from 2027 or 2028.
The model will have tax breaks in price, maintaining the value of U.S. $ one thousand 20 (R$ 113 thousand), but without benefits from the US government, the price could reach U.S. $ one thousand 27 (about R$ 153 thousand).
Slate Auto: accessibility and innovation in the automotive market
With the launch of Slate Truck, the North American startup shows that it is possible to create a product accessible and functional, with a simple design, without compromising safety and efficiency.
The company aims to reach an audience that values practicality and cost benefit, without needing luxuries or complex technologies.
And you, what do you think of this pickup truck proposal? Does the model have the potential to conquer the North American and Brazilian markets? Leave your opinion in the comments!
