Business, Finance & Tech
Amazon-Backed Startup 'Slate' Opens Preorders for $25,000 Electric Pickup
A new player in the electric vehicle market is betting that simplicity and affordability can win over consumers.
Amazon-backed startup Slate has officially opened preorders for its new electric pickup truck, a stripped-down vehicle designed to offer an affordable entry point into the EV market.
The truck starts at approximately $25,000 and comes with a number of unconventional features aimed at keeping costs low. Unlike many modern vehicles, it includes hand-crank windows, no factory paint, and no built-in audio system. Despite the minimalist approach, the truck offers an estimated range of 205 miles on a single charge.
Rather than loading the vehicle with standard features, Slate is emphasizing customization. Buyers will have access to a variety of optional upgrades, including speaker systems, vinyl wraps that can replace traditional paint jobs, and potentially a power-window accessory in the future.
Customers will also have the option to upgrade to a larger battery pack for additional driving range.
The company says it plans to encourage owners to personalize their vehicles with custom accessories and aftermarket modifications, creating a platform that can be tailored to individual preferences.
As electric vehicle prices remain a barrier for many consumers, Slate hopes its low-cost, highly customizable approach will appeal to drivers looking for a practical and affordable EV alternative. The company has not yet announced a firm delivery date but is currently accepting reservations for the vehicle.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 24, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Palm Springs firefighters responded Thursday to a report of a person struck by lightning in the Chino Canyon area. The person was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Firefighters also responded to a palm tree fire in Chino Canyon that officials say was caused by an apparent lightning strike. NBC Palm Springs News Director David Reese is in the neighborhood tonight knocking on doors and trying to learn more about what happened. Did you see the lightning strike? Did you hear or see anything unusual? Do you know who was struck or have information that could help us understand what happened? We’d like to hear from you. Send us a DM here or contact NBC Palm Springs if you witnessed the incident or have information to share. #PalmSprings #ChinoCanyon #Lightning #PalmSpringsNews #NBCPalmSprings CoachellaValley BreakingNews
Fred Roggin’s response? Show us the receipts! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
A $557k budget shortfall … so why do they need $11.3 million in new taxes? Are you voting Yes or No on Measure P? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
School board trustee wears “FAFO” shirt to court deposition. Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇🏽 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
Estevan Figueroa of King’s Club Barbershop is giving back across the Coachella Valley — one haircut at a time. He and his team recently gave dozens of free haircuts to kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Cathedral City. Figueroa also provides clothing, essentials and encouragement to people in need. Inspired by lessons from his father, he’s now started a nonprofit to help even more people in the community. “Look good, feel good.” @barbercipactli Read the full story at NBCPalmSprings.com.
9 months. 5 deposition notices. 1 no-show. What is this official hiding under oath? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇 #therogginreport #jesusgonzalez #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Tim O’Brien at the Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp!!
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Murder Suspect Vicky Kim has made a court appearance for the first time in almost two weeks amidst medical delays and two refusals. Today she plead NOT GUILTY to all charges of killing her husband. She is set to appear October 7th for her preliminary hearing. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for more information on this case. #breakingnews #courtnews #vickykim #coachellavalley #760
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Did you catch the bug that’s going around?