Hands-on with Slate's $24,950 electric pickup

Slate Auto has quietly improved several specs since the truck’s unveiling: the entry-level battery now targets 205 miles (up from 180), towing has risen to 2,000 lbs (from 1,000), and payload is 1,550 lbs (up from 1,400). At the Gardena launch, new CEO Peter Faricy told the assembled press that “Slate is so much more than an affordable truck.” I rode shotgun during a short test around the block and came away impressed that the preproduction prototype didn’t feel cheap.

The single rear‑drive motor makes 181 hp and 195 lb‑ft of torque, 0–60 is a mild eight seconds, and top speed is 90 mph. Handling, ride over bumps, comfortable seats, one‑pedal regenerative braking and a traction‑control off switch were all notable during the brief drive.

The Slate uses a 65 kWh gross/63 kWh usable LFP pack with a targeted 205‑mile range and a claimed efficiency of 3.3 miles/kWh (19.1 kWh/100 km).

slate auto, electric pickup, $24,950, 205 miles, 2,000 lbs, 1,550 lbs, 181 hp, lfp pack, 65 kwh, regenerative braking