Slate Auto’s much-anticipated modular electric truck was initially promised at an enticing price of under $20,000. This affordable dream, however, has been interrupted by the recent “Big Beautiful Bill,” which effectively ends the EV tax incentive. Now, buyers will face a $7,500 price hike.
Just a few months back, the electric truck from Slate Auto captured significant media attention with a compelling promise: a simple, versatile vehicle that could morph into a two-door SUV. The $20,000 price tag was a key attraction, but the new legislation has made this a challenge. The Slate truck is slated to begin production in 2026, missing the benefit of the $7,500 tax credit, which expires in September 2025. The spending bill, signed by President Donald Trump, marks the end of a federal incentive that fueled the rise of EV giants like Tesla and Rivian.
Reacting swiftly, Slate Auto updated its website to reflect the change, now listing the expected price as “Mid-Twenties.” The startup hasn’t yet finalized the exact cost of its pickup. To keep the price point competitive, Slate aimed to strip the vehicle to essentials, counting on the tax credit to dip below $20,000.
However, further cost-cutting presents a tough challenge. The truck’s current entry-level battery is a 52.7 kWh pack, offering a modest 150-mile range. Its charging capacity, capping at 120 kW, leaves much to be desired. Options to save costs, like removing a center display, are already at a minimum.
Despite these hurdles, Slate Auto boasts over 100,000 reservations collected in just two weeks, but it’s uncertain how many will convert to actual sales without federal support. The coming months will reveal if the bold vision of an affordable electric truck can withstand this legislative curveball.
