First Look: 2027 Slate Pickup Reveals Pricing, Preorders, and Delivery Dates!

MotorTrend recently confirmed the drivability of the 2027 Slate electric truck after a brief shotgun ride in an early-build prototype. The experience revealed an electric truck that lives up to high expectations for an inexpensive and capable vehicle. Engineers provided a first look at updated pricing, accessory availability, new range and capacity figures, and the imminent opening of pre-orders, setting the stage for its market entry.

During the ride, the Slate truck demonstrated notable verve, feeling quicker than its estimated 0–60 mph time of 8.0 seconds, despite its single motor delivering a modest 181 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque (a slight revision from the previously announced 201 hp). Weighing in at 4,050 pounds, the Slate pickup is considered a relative featherweight among electric trucks. The interior emphasizes simplicity, featuring a basic digital panel for speed and range. The cabin feels spacious and open, largely due to a low center console. While it features manual crank windows, it includes air conditioning and cruise control. The company also anticipates a five-star NCAP score and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS based on internal crash tests.

The ride itself was smooth on well-maintained pavement, with reasonable refinement observed at speeds up to 50 mph. One minor detail noted was the truck's timid horn, which emits a gentle 'beep!'. This initial ride confirmed the physical existence and functionality of the Slate truck, a crucial point as the company begins accepting non-refundable pre-orders. Slate projects deliveries to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, a target that MotorTrend believes is highly achievable.

Significant details regarding pricing and specifications have now been clarified. The leaked base price of $24,950 for the Slate pickup is largely accurate, though a destination and delivery charge of approximately $1,500 will bring the total base price to just under $26,500. For SUV variants, the squareback model will add $5,000 to the pickup's price, and the fastback SUV will add another $2,000 on top of that, making the most expensive Slate variant start under $33,500. The base model comes equipped with composite gray body panels and a cloth interior, notably lacking a factory-installed sound system. At these price points, the Slate is poised to become the most affordable electric vehicle and pickup truck available on the U.S. market.

Slate also announced a revised battery strategy. Initially planning two battery options (150 or 240 miles of range), the company has now standardized on a single 63-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. This battery is expected to provide approximately 205 miles of range. The trucks will feature the Tesla-compatible NACS port, enabling fast charging from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. A Level 2 charge from 20 percent to full capacity is estimated to take around four hours, while a Level 1 charge (20 to 80 percent) would require about 17 hours, making overnight charging viable with a standard outlet for drivers with shorter daily distances.

Furthermore, the company updated its capability figures. The pickup's payload capacity has increased from a previously stated 1,433 pounds to 1,550 pounds, and its towing capacity has doubled from 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds. For the SUV models, the payload capacity will be 1,263 pounds, with a towing capacity of 1,824 pounds. These updated specifications, combined with its affordability and confirmed delivery timeline, solidify Slate's position as a promising contender in the growing electric vehicle market.