A new electric vehicle (EV) startup, Slate Auto, is quietly positioning itself as a potential challenger to Tesla and Rivian in the booming electric truck market. Backed by none other than Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and already boasting over 100,000 reservations, Slate’s compact electric pickup—designed for urban workhorses and small businesses—could shake up the industry when it hits production in late 2026.
Operating in stealth mode since 2022, Slate has kept details under wraps, but glimpses of its prototype in Long Beach, California, suggest a no-nonsense, utility-focused mini truck. Unlike Tesla’s futuristic Cybertruck or Rivian’s adventure-ready R1T, Slate’s offering appears tailored for contractors, delivery fleets, and cost-conscious buyers seeking an affordable, emissions-free work vehicle.
Bezos’ Bet on the Next EV Disruptor
The compact EV truck segment is heating up, with Ford’s hybrid Maverick seeing sales surge 94% in 2024. Slate’s truck, likely priced competitively amid falling battery costs ($139/kWh in 2024), could appeal to businesses eyeing electrification. But the road ahead is rocky: EV startups often face production delays, supply chain snags, and stiff competition from giants like Tesla and BYD.
Slate’s credibility gets a major boost from Jeff Bezos, who has invested in the startup—likely through his venture arm, Bezos Expeditions. This isn’t Bezos’ first rodeo in the EV space: Amazon previously poured $700 million into Rivian, which now supplies the retail giant’s electric delivery vans. Slate’s focus on a smaller, more accessible truck could complement Bezos’ sustainability goals while undercutting rivals on price.
With Bezos’ deep pockets and a flood of early reservations, Slate has momentum. But to truly challenge Tesla, it must deliver a reliable, mass-market truck by 2026.
What is Slate Auto?
Slate Auto is an electric vehicle startup operating in stealth mode since 2022, developing a compact electric pickup truck targeted for commercial and individual buyers. The company is backed by Jeff Bezos’ investment and aims to begin production in late 2026.
What type of vehicle is Slate developing?
Slate is developing a work-oriented electric mini truck designed to be compact, affordable, and urban-friendly. The vehicle appears targeted at commercial fleets, small businesses, and cost-conscious consumers looking for an eco-friendly utility vehicle.
Who is backing Slate Auto?
Slate has secured investment from Jeff Bezos, likely through his venture capital firm Bezos Expeditions. This follows Bezos’ previous investments in EV companies like Rivian, where Amazon invested $700 million in 2019.
When will Slate’s electric truck be available?
Slate is targeting late 2026 for production start. The company is currently in the development and prototyping phase, with a prototype having been spotted in Long Beach, California.
How many reservations does Slate have?
Reports indicate Slate has already received over 100,000 reservations for its electric mini truck, suggesting strong market interest in an affordable, compact EV work vehicle.
How will Slate compete with Tesla and other EV makers?
Slate appears to be targeting a different market segment than Tesla – focusing on compact, affordable work trucks rather than premium vehicles. With Bezos’ backing and a utility-focused design, Slate aims to compete with offerings like Ford’s Maverick and Rivian’s future R2 models in the growing compact EV truck segment.
