Jeff Bezos-Backed Slate Auto Unveils anti Tesla ev truck under $20K

Jeff Bezos-Backed Slate Auto Unveils anti Tesla ev truck under $20K



 Slate Auto is an American electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, which recently unveiled its first electric pickup truck priced as low as $20,000 for the base model after federal EV tax credits



The company aims to offer an affordable, minimalist, and highly customizable electric vehicle as a competitor to Tesla, which has yet to deliver on its promise of a $25,000 electric car



Price and Design: The base model is priced under $20,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit and features a minimalistic design with manual crank windows, no infotainment system or radio, and an unpainted exterior to reduce costs. Customers can personalize their vehicles with optional features, potentially increasing the price by about $10,000



Vehicle Specs: The truck has a 52.7 kWh battery offering around 150 miles of range, with an optional larger battery extending the range to about 240 miles. It has a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds and measures under 15 feet in length, roughly comparable to a 1985 Toyota pickup and smaller than a Ford Maverick



Transformability: The two-door pickup can be converted into a five-seat SUV with a special kit, providing versatility for different user needs



Manufacturing and Funding: Slate plans to manufacture the trucks in Indiana with most components made in the USA, using composite materials that reduce manufacturing costs and avoid tariffs on steel and aluminum. The company raised $111 million in funding in 2023, with Bezos as a significant but passive investor through his family office. Other investors include Mark Walter and Thomas Tull



Market Positioning: Slate Auto positions itself as the "anti-Tesla," focusing on affordability and simplicity rather than advanced autonomous technology or luxury features. The company aims to fill a gap in the market for affordable electric vehicles for working-class Americans and expects to start deliveries by late 2026



In summary, Slate Auto is a Bezos-backed startup launching a bare-bones, affordable electric pickup truck designed for customization and practicality, targeting a price point significantly lower than Tesla's offerings and emphasizing domestic manufacturing and simplicity


 negative sentiment toward Tesla is widespread, driven by falling sales, rising competition, and the polarizing influence of Elon Musk Tesla is criticized for safety and quality problems




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