In April 2025, the automotive world was jolted by the emergence of Slate Auto, a previously unknown electric vehicle startup. Based in Troy, Michigan—a stone’s throw from giants like Ford and General Motors—the company had operated covertly for three years. Its mission: to build an ultra-affordable, highly customizable electric pickup truck, funded in part by Jeff Bezos. This revelation, first reported by TechCrunch in early April, marked a stark contrast to the turbulent U.S. EV landscape, where failures and pivots have become routine. While Slate’s backers, leadership, and innovative model suggest promise, its journey toward a late 2026 production target is fraught with obstacles. Below, we trace the key milestones from its origins to its current ambitions.
On April 8, 2025, TechCrunch unveiled Slate Auto after a year-long investigation. The startup had quietly developed a low-cost electric pickup truck, with a starting price around $25,000, supported financially by Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter, owner of the LA Dodgers. Unlike its peers, Slate leveraged expertise from former Harley-Davidson and Chrysler employees to emphasize deep customization through accessories and aftermarket parts.
Two days later, on April 10, an enigmatic electric truck photo surfaced on the r/whatisthiscar subreddit, sparking speculation it was Slate’s prototype. TechCrunch confirmed the image showed a test vehicle parked outside the company’s Long Beach, California design center.
By April 21, Slate began deploying concept versions on public streets to build hype ahead of its April 24 launch. Some models resembled SUVs or hatchbacks, not just pickups. The company confirmed these were teasers for “Transformer-like” modular capabilities, allowing significant vehicle customization.
At its Long Beach debut on April 24, Slate revealed its customizable electric pickup truck, priced under $20,000 with the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. The base model offered minimal features: 150 miles of range, no power windows, no infotainment screen, and unpainted surfaces. Slate promised extensive personalization options, including seat count and body silhouette.
The next day, April 25, TechCrunch reported Slate had selected a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, as its factory site. The 1.4 million-square-foot facility, built in 1958, had been idle for about two years.
On May 12, Slate announced surpassing 100,000 refundable $50 reservations for its truck, demonstrating broad appeal despite its recent stealth status.
By July 3, the Trump administration’s tax-cut bill set a September end date for the federal EV tax credit, forcing Slate to remove “under $20,000” pricing from its website, as the credit could no longer support that target.
On July 8, Los Angeles-based VC firm Slauson & Co. disclosed its involvement in Slate’s 2023 funding round, which included at least 16 investors, among them Bezos. The firm explained its early investment rationale and participation in Slate’s Series B.
On October 30, Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman appeared on the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 main stage, discussing Bezos’ role, the challenges of building an automaker from scratch, and plans for a customization marketplace.
By December 16, Slate crossed 150,000 refundable reservations for its truck and SUV, indicating sustained interest despite the lost tax credit and cooling U.S. EV growth. With fewer low-end EVs entering the market, Slate faced minimal competition.
In March 2026, Slate surprised observers by appointing Peter Faricy, former Amazon Marketplace VP, as its new CEO. Chris Barman, the inaugural CEO, transitioned to President of Vehicles. Faricy’s mandate is to steer the startup toward its year-end commercial launch, focusing on converting reservations into firm orders.
Slate Auto represents a bold gamble in the EV sector, blending affordability with modularity in a market ripe for disruption. Its trajectory—from stealth operations to scaling production—will test whether a Bezos-backed newcomer can outmaneuver established players and economic headwinds.
