Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto is gearing up to release a shape-shifting electric car that transforms into an SUV—starting at just $20,000, Blavity said.
Slate Auto’s new two-door EV can morph into a five-seat SUV and is smaller than both the Chevy Silverado EV and Ford Maverick. At just 15 feet long, it’s more in line with a 1985 Toyota pickup in size.
TechCrunch calls it the “anti-Tesla.” While both are customizable, the base Slate skips modern extras like power windows and infotainment screens.
On a single charge, it gets around 150 miles of range, with an optional long-range battery boosting that to 240 miles, Blavity said.
Slate’s new EVs are designed in California and Michigan, engineered in Michigan and then assembled in the Midwest, Slate’s website said.
According to TechCrunch, Jeff Bezos has teamed up with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter and investor Thomas Tull to raise $111 million for Slate’s production. The vehicle is said to hit the market in 2026, according to Blavity.
The Slate Truck (SUV) stands out for its simplicity. While Auto Shanghai 2025 dazzles with high-tech displays and the latest from China’s auto scene, the Slate skips the flash—no 4K OLED touchscreens, no alloy wheels, not even power windows, Manofmany said.
Slate says this approach cuts costs and lets the truck be factory-built in a single, timeless design. The idea is that you customize your “Blank Slate” later, choosing from over 100 personalization accessories available at purchase or down the road—some sold individually, others in bundles.
Options include vehicle wraps with three levels to fit your style and budget. But the standout is the SUV Kit, which transforms the truck into a 5-seat SUV complete with a roll cage, airbags, and rear seats.
Slate will follow a direct-to-consumer model. You can order your vehicle online, and it will be delivered to a nearby location. Servicing will be handled through a local service network, and Customer Experience Centres will be established across the U.S. to support buyers.
