Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 24
Slate Auto Opens Preorders for $24,950 EV Pickup, Targets 2027 Profitability
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jun 24

Slate Auto Opens Preorders for $24,950 EV Pickup, Targets 2027 Profitability

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jun 24

Summary

  • $300 nonrefundable preorders opened Wednesday for Slate Auto’s $24,950 two-seat electric pickup, with customer deliveries expected in the fourth quarter after more than 180,000 earlier reservations.
  • Peter Faricy said the startup aims to reach positive free cash flow and EBITDA by 2027, arguing its stripped-down design, direct-sales model and roughly 80,000-vehicle break-even point can avoid the heavy losses seen across EV peers.
  • Slate plans 150,000 units of annual capacity at its Warsaw, Indiana, plant and is still hand-building about three vehicles a day while targeting normal production processes by August and completing federal certification.
  • The Bezos- and Mark Walter-backed company has raised more than $1.3 billion and is still seeking funding as it bets buyers will pay extra for modular upgrades, including a $5,000 SUV conversion and 175 accessories.

Insights

With $1.4 billion raised, will Slate's low-cost strategy finally make an EV startup profitable?
Is Slate’s customizable, screen-free EV the future of mobility or a bet against consumer habits?

Breaking the $30,000 Barrier: Slate Auto’s “Blank Slate” EV Pickup and the Future of Customizable, Low-Cost Electric Vehicles

Overview

Slate Auto has officially opened preorders for its 'Blank Slate' electric pickup, making waves with a base price of $27,500—nearly half the average new vehicle price. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the truck as a disruptor in the EV market. For nearly four years, Slate Auto has focused on developing the vehicle and reindustrializing its Warsaw Factory, driven by a strong commitment to affordability. The company's efforts aim to deliver a practical and accessible electric truck, challenging industry norms and offering a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.

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