Slate Auto: Another Electric Vehicle Scam

Slate Auto’s "Revolution" is Just a Reskin: Another Electric Vehicle Trying Too Hard

Slate Auto, the fledgling American automaker promising a customizable, affordable electric vehicle, finally unveiled its “Slate” to the world on April 24th, 2025. The fanfare was…significant. The New York Times, Car and Driver, Newsweek – the usual suspects were all there, breathlessly reporting on a company claiming to disrupt the automotive industry. Frankly, it’s a tired narrative, and the "Slate" itself offers little to justify the hype.

The core concept? A customizable electric vehicle that morphs between truck and SUV, priced around a laughable $20,000. Let's be clear: this isn’t a revolution. It’s a desperate attempt to grab attention in a market already saturated with electric vehicles. Slate Auto's comparison to the Chevy Silverado EV and Ford Maverick only underscores their ambition exceeding their capabilities. Those established manufacturers are pouring billions into development; Slate Auto is...well, they’re building in Northern Indiana. That's commendable for local jobs, but hardly industry-altering.

The customization aspects, while presented as innovative, are simply accessories. Wraps, racks – including a “Tower Rack” – and an “SUV Kit”? It’s Lego for adults with disposable income and a penchant for self-proclaimed “innovation.” Consumers who genuinely desire customization are already well-served by aftermarket options; these pre-packaged add-ons feel like a marketing ploy more than a genuine leap forward. The "Slate Maker" interface, which allows for ongoing accessory selection, is a fancy way of saying “we’re selling you upgrades.”

Let's address the elephant in the room: the $20,000 price tag. While appealing, it's likely a calculated hook, with the final price almost certainly higher once you start adding the "customization" they’ve so aggressively promoted. Slate Auto's approach—removing “unnecessary features” to drive affordability— translates to a vehicle stripped bare, lacking even basic safety equipment or modern conveniences. It’s the automotive equivalent of ramen noodles; filling, perhaps, but hardly satisfying.

The timeline, with a slated release in 2027, is another red flag. Two years feels optimistic given the complexities of vehicle manufacturing, supply chain issues, and the inevitable retooling required to adapt a single platform into both a truck and an SUV. It's a convenient delay to buy time and hopefully avoid inevitable public scrutiny.

Slate Auto’s marketing team deserves some credit for generating buzz. They’ve successfully infiltrated the media, crafting a narrative that promises disruption and affordability. But substance, not spectacle, is what defines a truly revolutionary product. The "Slate" as presented feels like an exercise in style over substance; a flash in the pan destined to fade into the crowded landscape of electric vehicle pretenders.

Consumers who are genuinely seeking an affordable, customizable electric vehicle are advised to temper their expectations and explore established alternatives. Don't be fooled by the hype; a "revolution" shouldn't require a two-year wait and a handful of plastic accessories.