Bezos-Backed Slate Auto’s $25K Electric Pickup Truck Spotted in LA
Just one day after TechCrunch’s exclusive reveal about Jeff Bezos’ investment in stealth-mode EV startup Slate Auto, prototype images of their affordable electric pickup have surfaced online.
First Look at Slate Auto’s EV Pickup
Reddit user u/discostranger09 captured and shared photos showing a compact, dark gray two-seater pickup being unloaded from a container in Los Angeles. Automotive publications Carscoops and The Autopian were first to identify the vehicle.
A source familiar with Slate Auto’s design confirmed to TechCrunch that this is indeed their prototype, likely one of several concept vehicles being used to showcase the startup’s vision to potential investors.
Design Philosophy: Minimalist and Affordable
The spotted truck features:
- Clean, simple styling
- A grille reminiscent of Ford Bronco Sport
- Compact dimensions similar to a scaled-down Rivian R1T
This minimalist approach aligns with Slate Auto’s mission to deliver an electric pickup at the groundbreaking price point of $25,000 - significantly below current EV truck market averages.
Customization as a Business Model
Slate Auto appears to be building its strategy around:
- An affordable base model (potentially called “Blank Slate”)
- Extensive customization options
- A trademarked program called “Slate University”
The company has filed trademarks for:
- “WE BUILT IT. YOU MAKE IT”
- “Blank Slate” (likely referring to the base model)
What This Means for the EV Market
Slate Auto’s approach could disrupt the electric truck segment by:
- Making EVs accessible to budget-conscious buyers
- Offering personalization typically seen in premium vehicles
- Potentially creating a new model for automotive profitability
With the company preparing to emerge from stealth mode in coming weeks, industry watchers will be keen to see how this Bezos-backed venture positions itself against established players like Ford, Rivian, and Tesla.
TechCrunch has reached out to Slate Auto for comment but had not received a response at time of publication.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: 4G METAL SWIMSHORTS
Image: Premium product showcase
Carefully crafted 4g metal swimshorts delivering superior performance and lasting value.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality standards
- Easy setup and intuitive use
- Durable construction for long-term value
- Excellent customer support included
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: 4-BAR POCKET SHORT
Image: Premium product showcase
High-quality 4-bar pocket short offering outstanding features and dependable results for various applications.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade quality standards
- Easy setup and intuitive use
- Durable construction for long-term value
- Excellent customer support included
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
