Slate opens first showroom as $25,000 electric truck approaches production

Slate has opened its inaugural customer experience center in Chicago's Fulton Market District, marking a significant step toward bringing its budget-friendly electric truck to market. The newly launched showroom—housed in a former Tesla location and staffed partly by ex-Tesla employees—invites potential buyers to explore the company's offerings and place pre-orders starting with a $300 deposit.

The Vehicle#

The Slate Truck is designed as a no-frills answer to America's pickup obsession. Priced at $24,950, it undercuts every other battery-electric truck currently available by a wide margin. The vehicle combines stripped-down aesthetics with practical features: manual window cranks replace power windows, plastic body panels keep costs down, and a minimalist interior houses just the essentials—a small digital display, physical climate controls, and a phone holder.

The truck is roughly comparable in size to a Hyundai Santa Cruz, with a 5-foot bed. Slate projects a driving range of 205 miles per charge. Beyond the core truck, the company offers two SUV variants (Squareback and Fastback models) and an open-air kit, though early customer interest has heavily favored the truck configuration.

A Showroom Experience#

Walking through the Slate Experience Center reveals an industrial-meets-modern aesthetic, with the centerpiece being a hand-built prototype on display. A wall of removable interior panels spanning the color spectrum allows customers to envision customization choices, while miniature models of the cab help visualize different panel combinations.

Customization is central to Slate's pitch. Buyers can select from a range of headlight and taillight options and design their interior palette through the company's digital platform or in-person at the showroom. The ability to order online and bypass the traditional dealership experience appeals to those frustrated with conventional sales tactics.

Manager of Customer Experience Steve Purdy reported strong initial interest since the showroom's October 15 launch, though specific sales figures remain undisclosed. He confirmed that deposits have come in at encouraging levels.

The Road Ahead#

Slate will stick to its $24,950 base price. The company plans to ship some trucks before year's end to investors and employees, with general early-orderers expected to receive their vehicles in early 2027. Production continues at the company's assembly line in Warsaw, Indiana, where prototyping work is still underway.