Meet Slate’s No-Frills Electric Truck: A Bold New Pick-Up for EV Fans

Published on 28/4/2025

A new American electric vehicle start-up, Slate, has revealed its first model — and it’s turning heads. Simply named ‘Truck’, this stripped-back electric pick-up bucks current trends with a back-to-basics approach. But could it catch on with UK drivers looking for practicality over polish?

Introducing Slate: A New Name in Electric Vehicles

Slate is the latest US-based EV manufacturer to make waves — not for luxury tech, but for stripping it all away. Founded by a team of former Tesla and Rivian engineers, Slate’s mission is clear: make electric vehicles that are affordable, functional, and refreshingly simple.

Their first release, called simply Truck, aims to meet the needs of drivers who want utility, not bells and whistles. It’s designed with tradespeople, farmers, and rural drivers in mind — anyone who needs a vehicle that works hard without breaking the bank.

What is ‘Truck’? A No-Nonsense Electric Pick-Up

Design and Features

The 2-seater Truck is proudly unflashy. Its chunky, retro silhouette hints at old-school 4x4s, with none of the sleek curves or ultra-minimalism we’ve come to associate with EVs. The interior is just as straightforward — no giant touchscreen or gesture controls. Instead, it offers manual switches, washable materials, and practical storage.

It’s clear this is a vehicle made for work, not luxury — and that’s exactly the point.

Customisation

The Truck offers extensive customisation options, with a wide range of colours, accessories, and kits available. Using bolt-on conversion kits supplied by Slate, the 1047-litre load bay can even be transformed into a five-seat compact SUV or a fastback crossover.

Battery, Range and Performance

Power is provided by either a 52.7kWh or relatively large 84.3kWh battery under the floor

• A range of either 150 or 240 miles 200–250 miles per charge
• Fast-charge from 20-100% in less than 30 minutes.
• Top speed of 90mph.

Affordability and Pricing Strategy

Slate is targeting a base price of $25,000–$30,000 USD, aiming to be one of the cheapest electric trucks on the market. That’s well below the likes of Rivian’s R1T or the Ford F-150 Lightning.

If it does get a future UK release pricing could be sub £30,000  — even after import costs — which would be hugely competitive.

Release Timeline: When Will ‘Truck’ Be Available?

Slate has announced a late 2025 release in the US, with production expected to ramp up through 2026. European and UK distribution hasn’t been officially confirmed, but the company says international demand is on their radar.

Why UK Drivers Might Take Notice

An EV That Breaks the Mould

In an EV landscape dominated by luxury and tech, Truck’s raw practicality is a breath of fresh air. For drivers who want an electric vehicle that gets the job done — without needing a software manual — it offers something very different.

Could It Work in the UK Market?

Electric pick-ups are still rare in the UK, but interest is growing — particularly from self-employed tradespeople, agricultural users, and rural drivers.

There are challenges: Truck’s size may not suit tight urban roads, and aftersales support would be key. But its simplicity, low price, and EV cost-saving potential could make it a strong contender in certain markets.

How ‘Truck’ Compares to Other Electric Pickups

Truck enters an emerging market that’s starting to fill out. Key competitors include:

• Ford F-150 Lightning – bigger, more powerful, but far pricier
• Rivian R1T – premium, adventure-focused with a high-spec interior
• Toyota Hilux EV (concept) – still under development
• Maxus T90 EV – one of the few electric pickups currently available in the UK

Slate’s main USP? Affordability and minimalism. It’s designed for drivers who want a workhorse, not a gadget.

Final Thoughts: A Truck for the People?

Slate’s Truck is shaping up to be a game-changer — not because it breaks speed records or offers cutting-edge software, but because it delivers the essentials at a fair price.

If it makes it to the UK, it could carve out a niche among practical drivers and cost-conscious EV converts. It may not be pretty, but it’s proof that the EV revolution doesn’t need to be flashy to move forward.