How Bezos-Backed Slate Plans To Build An Affordable EV Truck In The U.S.

late Automotive says its compact pickup truck has cracked the code to making affordable, U.S.-built electric vehicle. The Detroit-based startup is led by veterans of Chrysler, Tesla and other major automakers, and backed by big investors such as Jeff Bezos. But its product might be niche, and the ending of the federal EV tax credit means the price has gone up. And now companies like Ford have also announced a $30,000 EV pickup truck. Slate received more than 100,000 reservations for its truck in two weeks. But will those reservations turn into sales? CNBC’s Rob Ferris traveled to Slate’s headquarters to find out.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:38 Chapter 1 - The truck
3:48 Chapter 2 - An “affordable EV”
8:21 Chapter 3 - Customizable
10:34 Chapter 4 - Challenges

Produced by: Robert Ferris
Produced, Shot and Edited by: Andrew Evers
Animation: Emily Park, Christina Locopo
Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt
Additional Footage: Slate, Getty Images

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How Bezos-Backed Slate Plans To Build An Affordable EV Truck In The U.S.

Post from CNBC on August 15, 2025

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