- Jay Leno featured the Slate Truck and its DIY upgrade system.
- Owners can customize it with kits or convert it to an SUV.
- No dealership visits needed for service or warranty repairs.
Amid all the noise and high-concept EV launches, one company is quietly betting that simple might be the next big idea. Slate Auto has its skeptics, including Ram boss Tim Kuniskis, but tens of thousands of people have placed reservations for its back-to-basics electric vehicle, suggesting a real appetite for something more grounded and affordable.
Production of the Slate is scheduled to start at a converted factory in Warsaw, Indiana, before the end of this year, but well before this happens, the carmaker has brought one example to Jay Leno’s Garage, eager to show what makes it special.
Read: Slate Still Doesn’t Know What Its EV Truck Will Actually Cost
Joining the bright red and white Slate with Leno was the head of design at Slate, Tisha Johnson, and the company’s chief commercial officer, Jeremy Snyder.
According to Slate, its philosophy is to build an affordable vehicle, which is desperately needed now that the average new car in the US costs almost $50,000. During the interview with Leno, Snyder says the Slate will start in the “mid-$20s,” although the firm still doesn’t appear to have nailed down a final price.
When the EV was announced, it had a promised starting price of under $20,000, thanks largely to the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Now that the tax credit has been axed, the price has increased.
Personalization is also a key part of what makes Slate interesting. Many exterior parts have exposed fasteners, making it easy to remove and customize panels. Buyers who prefer an SUV body style can purchase a conversion kit, either to install themselves or through a Slate service provider. This places the owner at the center of the experience, and also helps cut costs.
Slate is also placing right-to-repair at the forefront of the ownership experience. Owners won’t need to visit Slate service centers to have their vehicles repaired, whether under warranty or not, and can shop around and take them to their preferred mechanic. If desired, owners can easily repair the Slate truck themselves.
