If you’re into trucks, you’ve probably heard the buzz. There’s a new electric vehicle making waves, and it’s not from Tesla, Ford, or Rivian. It’s from a company called Slate Auto. The Slate Truck isn’t just another electric pickup—it’s a full-on throwback to everything you loved about classic compact trucks, reimagined for a new generation.

Compact, Purpose-Built, and Customizable

The Slate Truck is what happens when someone asks: “Why aren’t trucks simple anymore?” It’s a two-door, compact, single-cab electric truck built with one goal—function without the fluff. Think first-gen Toyota pickups or old-school Chevy LUVs. Just a boxy, affordable, modular EV that delivers utility in a clean, customizable platform.

Who’s Behind It?

Slate Auto operates under a parent group called Re:Car, and their whole brand philosophy is built around modularity. They don’t want to sell you 10 different trims. They want to give you a base truck that becomes what you need. Whether that’s a surf hauler, a city runabout, or a DIY work rig, Slate wants your truck to reflect your lifestyle.

A Throwback Size That Makes Sense

• Length: About 14.5 feet (shorter than a Civic)
• Width: Just under 6 feet
• Exterior: Unpainted composite panels
• Weight: Under 4,000 pounds

It’s sized like an 80s Toyota pickup, but rides on an electric platform built in the U.S.

Simple, Yes. But Not Basic.

Even though it’s built to be minimal, it’s not a stripped-down golf cart. The Slate Truck includes:

• Standard LED lighting
• Digital dash cluster
• AC and heating
• Modular rear bed system
• DIY-friendly interior design

Why It’s Getting Attention

The Slate Truck is expected to launch around $20,000. EV tax credits may drop that even lower. In a world of $90K trucks, Slate is delivering real affordability—and people are taking notice.

Its unapologetically boxy design is also a standout. It’s the anti-Cybertruck in all the right ways.

What Makes It Different From Rivian, Tesla, or Ford?

• Much smaller footprint
• Modular by design
• Utility-first, not luxury-focused
• No frills, no oversized tech stack

This truck doesn’t need to look like a spaceship. It just needs to haul mulch, bikes, or lumber without needing a ladder to climb in.

The Slate Community Angle

Slate isn’t just launching a vehicle. They’re aiming to build a culture around it. The modularity is meant to invite DIYers and modders to treat the Slate like a platform—not just a product. That’s a rare mindset in today’s EV market.

Bottom Line

The Slate Truck won’t appeal to everyone. And that’s the point. It’s refreshingly honest and built for the real world. If you ever loved pickups from the 80s or 90s, this one will hit a nostalgic nerve—in the best possible way.

And if you’ve been waiting for an EV truck that doesn’t cost as much as your first house, the wait might just be over.