The fresh face on the electric vehicle block, Slate Auto, stole the show last month at an EV event in Long Beach, California. There, they officially released their first vehicle, the Blank Slate. Such is the promise of the electric automaker Rivian, an Amazon-backed company that just might transform the traditional car industry. They’re introducing a highly affordable and highly configurable electric pickup truck that goes head to head against competitors, including Tesla.
Chris Barman is the founder of Slate Auto and Chief Executive Officer. The company’s goal is to change what consumers think of when they think of EVs. The Blank Slate makes it work for everyone. It quickly converts from a two-passenger pickup truck to a roomy five-passenger SUV. This versatility is a clear demonstration of the company’s dedication to affordability and user customization.
Transformative Design and Accessibility
Unlike other electric vehicles, the Blank Slate is conceived with adaptability as a key principle. The truck has a wheelbase of 121.1 inches and an overall length of 199.7 inches. This design maximizes space, while still being highly maneuverable and easy to operate in crowded city environments. Even with the base model’s 17-inch wheels and five-foot bed, it’s a practical daily driver.
Slate Auto’s customer-friendly strategy helps customers put their own stamp on their future vehicles. As Barman stated, “Make the Blank Slate yours at the time of purchase, or as your needs and finances change over time.” This kind of flexibility will help draw in a wider range of customers, meeting different lifestyle transitions at a lower cost.
The Blank Slate has an incredible 1,400-pound payload capacity. Plus, its 1,000-pound towing capacity means you won’t give up any utility at the altar of performance. This winning blend of functionality and affordability could make Slate Auto a key player in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.
Financial Backing and Employee Growth
Slate Auto’s swift evolution is a testament to the impressive financial resources backing it. Successful’s already raised more than $111 million, with Jeff Bezos one of its notable investors. This backing enables Slate Auto to pursue its mission of creating an affordable vehicle that meets consumer demands without sacrificing quality.
The company has more than quadrupled its workforce in the state, hiring about 400 employees in order to accommodate its increased business. The Blank Slate will be produced in Indiana. By supporting these export-reliant industries, this decision protects American jobs and energizes the local economy where the infrastructure is created.
Jeremy Snyder, Slate Auto’s chief commercial officer, urged the discussion around affordability in the auto space. He remarked, “The auto industry has been so focused on autonomy and technology in the vehicle; it’s driven prices to a place that most Americans simply can’t afford.” Snyder’s comments further highlight the company’s mission to ensure the electric revolution in transportation reaches the widest demographic possible.
Consumer Engagement and Future Offerings
Prospective buyers can pre-order a vehicle for $50 via Slate Auto’s website. This completely refundable reservation removes the friction for future EV buyers to engage with the brand. The company aims to release more than 100 unique accessories for the Blank Slate. This will open up new opportunities for people to personalize their vehicles in exciting, new ways!
To appeal to the more adventurous set, Slate Auto promotes a DIY approach, so customers can modify the vehicle exactly how they want. Shop your accessories and get them delivered quickly! Better yet, you can plug them in yourself after watching our short installation how-to videos through Slate U, our education and training content hub. For those who may not want to handle installations themselves, the option is available to hire a Slate authorized partner to assist.