A new American car company created with backing from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has revealed a radical EV which goes back to basics and will have a starting price of under £15,000 in the US.
The new company, called Slate, has stripped out the cost by simplifying the manufacturing process and removing unnecessary content. Slate says this will also increase reliability and make the car upgradable.
The basic model – called the Blank Slate - is a 2-seat pickup, produced in a single configuration from the factory. As standard the 4.4m long vehicle has steel wheels, wind-up windows and knobs for the heater, but the company’s business model relies on ‘unlimited DIY personalisation’ options. There are already over 100 accessories, available individually or bundled. These include a flat-pack kit to turn the truck into a 5- seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags and rear seat. Convertible and fastback kits are also available.
Even the colours can be changed easily. Three levels of vehicle wrapping make personalisation far more affordable. You can change the colour using a kit of vinyl materials.
Inside, there is no central screen, just a universal phone mount and USB power to connect your own smartphone or tablet. An app allows you to connect to the car and access the features. Despite the basic spec, Slate says the car has been designed to meet the highest safety ratings.
The basic Blank Slate uses a 52.7-kWh battery pack, mated to a 201bhp motor which feeds the rear-wheels. The company’s ‘range target’ is 150 miles, but there is a battery extension pack available as an accessory – or to rent – which takes the capacity to 84.3kWh and gives a range of 240 miles. Fast charging to 80% is at up to 120kW and takes less than 30 minutes.
As you’d expect from a car backed by the Amazon boss, there are no dealerships. Instead you order your Slate online, take delivery near your home, and find service locations in your neighbourhood.
The Slate is available to reserve with a refundable $50 fee now in the US, with deliveries starting in 2026. The price after incentives in America will be under $20,000 – that’s £15,000 at current exchange rates.
There are currently no plans to export the car to other markets, but expansion is certain to be on the Slate business plan.
