Bare Bones Appeal
Slate’s pickup is the ultimate bare-bones mobility that people are asking for. Not only is it bare-bones, but it’s fully customizable, featuring one of the most extensive optional-extras lists on the market today. In its barest form, the Slate pickup has zero frills and only the bare essentials; it makes sense that buyers want certain features in more expensive cars.
When it comes to navigation, we’re so used to using our car’s built-in system or our mobile devices. In the Slate, your only option is to use your phone because there is no touchscreen infotainment system, but you can now purchase a new navigational tool from Slate to address that.
Slate
Old-School Map
InsideEV reports that, for a limited time (and quantity), Slate is offering a new GPS feature, although it isn’t what you imagine a modern GPS system to be. Instead of a standalone GPS device or an infotainment screen, Slate is offering Rand McNally’s 2027 Road Atlas, a physical book, just like how the generations before us used to navigate the country. It’s being offered on the Slate website for $30 and is marketed as “the original navigation system.”
Given the limited run of this screenless GPS system, it’s more of a gimmick than anything else, but it speaks to what Slate is all about: simplicity. The start-up carmaker has always believed that the buying market is fed up with today’s overcomplicated, technology-heavy car offerings and is clamoring for simpler options. Understandably, some people don’t want to use a physical map to navigate, which is why Slate is offering a phone mount in the vehicle so you can use your phone instead.
Slate Auto
Having What You Need
Slate isn’t anti-technology; the vehicle itself is a fully fledged EV pickup, but the brand believes in having only the essential. “When it comes to tech, we believe you should use the devices and solutions you already know and love, not because we don’t like tech, but because we believe you already have everything you need to get where you’re going.” Say what you want, but offering a road atlas in 2026 is a bold, cool move on Slate’s part that plays into nostalgia.
Slate’s formula of simplicity has enabled it to offer its pickup in its purest form for just $25,000, which is a bargain in today’s world. However, you do get the option to spruce up your Slate with personalized details and features.
