Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto Shakes Up EV Market with $20K Analog Pickup Truck

In a world where electric vehicles often come with luxury price tags and high-tech overload, a rebel has stepped onto the scene. On April 24, 2025, Slate Auto unveiled its game-changing electric pickup truck—an analog machine stripped down to essentials, starting at an incredibly low $20,000 after federal tax credits. Backed by Jeff Bezos and other prominent investors, Slate’s debut is rattling the crowded EV space with a powerful message: affordability isn't negotiable anymore.

A Radical Shift in EV Philosophy

Founded in 2023, Slate Auto charted a different course from day one. While companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid focused on performance and luxury, Slate chased a different dream—one for budget-conscious urban drivers who want to go electric without draining their wallets. CEO Chris Barman describes the ethos as designing for “just the essentials”—and he means it. Manual crank windows, no central touchscreen, and a modular platform let users customize as needed.

The debut truck features a 150-mile range, minimalist Kei-truck-inspired styling, and has been purpose-built for inner cities and light utility. It’s not meant to win drag races—it’s meant to haul gear and groceries without redlining your bank account.

From Start-Up to Spotlight: A Brief Timeline

2023 – Slate Auto is founded with a mission to rethink the electric vehicle from the ground up.
Early 2025 – The startup secures over $111 million in venture funding, including backing from Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter.
April 24, 2025 – Major launch event reveals the new Slate Pickup, immediately making headlines for its affordability and barebones design.

What Makes the Slate Pickup So Different?

While other automakers race to add AI, smart parking, and “dog mode,” Slate is doing the opposite. Their electric pickup is decidedly low-tech. No infotainment system. Crank windows. No frills. What you get instead is a modular chassis that allows for add-ons when and if the owner chooses—creating a more sustainable how-you-use-it ethos.

Available for viewing and pre-order via Slate Auto’s official website, early reactions have ranged from excitement to disbelief. The truck’s base model competes with gas-powered compacts, and the transparent pricing stands in stark contrast to the EV industry's usual upselling tactics.

Quotes That Frame the Vision

CEO Chris Barman shared his vision with ABC News:

“This is a radically affordable and customizable vehicle. We only put the essentials... strike a good balance with price and range.”

As Fortune aptly put it,

“Slate’s truck is a direct challenge to Tesla’s dominance, proving that EVs don’t need gimmicks to sell.”

Reactions: Applause, Caution, and Curiosity

Consumer response has been electric—pun intended. For many, the Slate Pickup is a long-awaited antidote to sky-high EV prices and overly complex tech. Still, critics warn that the 150-mile range could limit broader adoption, particularly in rural markets. And while Bezos’s backing gives the brand credibility and funding muscle, it has also invited scrutiny about corporate control over green transitions.

At a time when the EV market feels increasingly out of reach for middle-income families, Slate Auto offers a compelling new chapter: one that’s simple, affordable, and intentionally analog in a digital world.

Conclusion

✔️ Slate Auto’s $20K electric pickup is reopening the EV market to everyday drivers.
✔️ Backed by Jeff Bezos and a bold minimalist philosophy, the truck challenges both Tesla's tech dominance and EV affordability norms.