The Blank Slate pickup, launched by startup Slate Auto, bursts onto the electric vehicle scene with a fresh take on affordability and personalization. With a starting price of $25,000 (€23,400/£20,000), it undercuts every other EV currently sold in the U.S. market—and none of those even come in pickup form. Designed for maximum flexibility and priced for broad appeal, the Blank Slate pickup aims to shake up the EV market starting with deliveries in late 2026. Its rugged, minimalist two-door body style taps into retro pickup nostalgia while embracing modern EV tech.
Affordable Electric Pickup: Design Simplicity and DIY Personalization
The Blank Slate pickup keeps it clean and simple. Offered only in a molded gray composite color, it skips paint booths and fancy metal panels to save costs. Dimensionally, it measures 175 inches (4.45 meters) long, 71 inches (1.80 meters) wide, and 69 inches (1.75 meters) tall—smaller than the Ford Maverick by 25 inches, yet packing a 5-foot (60-inch/1.52-meter) bed. The truck’s square-edged, upright styling channels a classic 1980s vibe. Over 100 DIY accessories, from seat conversions to roll cages, offer buyers the freedom to customize their rides endlessly without the need for dealership add-ons.
Blank Slate EV Truck Range and Powertrain Options
Base models of the Blank Slate pickup come equipped with a 52.7 kWh battery, good for about 150 miles (241 km) of range. For longer hauls, buyers can opt for an 84.3 kWh pack delivering an estimated 240 miles (386 km), though pricing for the bigger battery remains unconfirmed. Power comes from a rear-mounted 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor delivering 0–60 mph acceleration in the high seven-second range. DC fast-charging at up to 120 kW gets the battery topped off quickly, while an onboard 11 kW AC charger suits home charging needs. The NACS connector ensures Tesla network compatibility down the road.
Blank Slate Pickup Specs: Practical Performance and Real-World Usability
Weighing in at 3,600 pounds (1,633 kg), the Blank Slate pickup offers a payload capacity of 1,430 pounds (649 kg) and a modest towing capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kg)—perfect for weekend DIY warriors and urban commuters, but not intended for heavy contractors. A 7-cubic-foot (198-liter) frunk supplements the 37-cubic-foot (1,047-liter) rear cargo bed. Inside, the dashboard skips a built-in touchscreen entirely, offering instead a variety of smartphone and tablet mounts so drivers can bring their own devices. Manual window cranks come standard, but optional kits allow an upgrade to electric operation for added convenience.
Customizable Electric Truck: Accessories and Modular Upgrades
Slate’s personalization strategy could be its secret weapon. Customers can bolt on more than 100 optional accessories, from wheel upgrades to SUV conversion kits. For around $5,000 (€4,700/£4,000), buyers can transform the two-seat pickup into either a two-door SUV or a fastback-style utility vehicle using flat-pack kits. The rear cab wall unbolts and reuses as a tailgate, while an added roll cage with embedded airbags ensures safety compliance. Other accessories include electric window conversion kits, seat covers, console add-ons, and multiple vehicle wrap options. It’s a DIY dream for younger EV buyers craving individuality.
Blank Slate Pickup Safety and Equipment
Despite its bargain price, the Blank Slate pickup doesn’t skimp on safety essentials. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, rear-view camera display integrated into the driver cluster, and a reinforced structure meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for the 2027 model year. Electronic sensors in accessory kits ensure that converted SUVs maintain compliance before restarting the vehicle. However, don’t expect advanced driver-assist packages like adaptive cruise control or lane centering at this price point—it’s built to be honest, simple, and affordable.
Best Budget EV Pickup: Market Position and Launch Timeline
Slate Auto plans to manufacture the Blank Slate pickup at a Midwestern U.S. plant, sidestepping new tariff pressures and leveraging local supply chains. A refundable $50 reservation secures a place in line, with first deliveries set for Q4 2026. Production targets could scale up to 150,000 units annually if demand hits expectations. With a price point $5,000 lower than any EV sold in the country today, plus the flexibility of DIY mods, Slate aims to capture both retail buyers and fleet operators seeking simple, durable, customizable electric transport solutions. The startup’s partial backing by Jeff Bezos’ ventures only adds intrigue to its future potential.
Conclusion
Pros and Cons of the Blank Slate Pickup
- Pros:
- Ultra-affordable $25,000 starting price
- Highly customizable with over 100 DIY accessories
- Simple, lightweight design for urban and light-duty use
- Standard fast-charging capability with NACS connector
- Full 5-foot cargo bed and 7-cubic-foot frunk
- Cons:
- Modest 150–240 mile range depending on battery option
- No built-in touchscreen or high-end infotainment
- Lower towing capacity than traditional pickups
- Limited color and trim options (gray only)
- Manual windows standard, electric upgrade extra
Final thoughts
The Blank Slate pickup combines affordability, customization, and electric mobility like no other EV truck on the horizon. For budget-conscious buyers who value simplicity, DIY personalization, and urban practicality, this little truck could easily become the breakout hit of 2026.
Related Video
