No stereo, no paint, no tech: Jeff Bezos-backed EV truck unveiled in Long Beach

Every day, hundreds of millions of people get into their cars and turn on their favorite music or podcast or talk radio station to help pass the time on their morning commute or any other number of outings. Radios in cars have been standard for nearly a century and have evolved into entertainment systems, including touch screens and other incorporated technologies.

Slate Auto, a startup vehicle manufacturer backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos, thinks it's time for a change. On Thursday, the secretive company unveiled its electric vehicle: the Slate Truck.

In an effort to cut costs, the company has stripped the truck down to the barest of bones — manual window cranks, no paint job, no extended cabs, no long truck bed and, of course, no stereo or touchscreen.

“The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” CEO Chris Barman said in a statement. “Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.”

While no bells or whistles come standard, the company's pickup has a host of add-ons available for unspecified additional costs.

While there is practically no tech included, the truck includes a universal phone mount and USB power, allowing the driver’s phone to serve as the technological interface. Slate suggests bringing a bluetooth speaker along for the ride, which would allow drivers to listen to music or other entertainment via their phone.

If you would rather a more traditional listening experience, speakers can be added into the truck for an additional cost. Other add-ons include power windows, a center console, a tablet mount, auxiliary buttons, roof rack, upgraded bumpers, a spare tire carrier, running boards, wraps and decals, among others — about 100 options in all.

The company also will offer a kit to convert the two-seater truck into a “five-seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags, rear seat,” according to the company.

Slate boasts that the base model truck will be “radically affordable,” with a price tag “expected” to be under $20,000 after federal rebates reserved for people who drive electric vehicles — programs the Trump administration already has in its crosshairs. This puts the base price of the truck around at least $27,500, which is “subject to change,” despite its anemic design.

By comparison, the 2025 double-cab Ford Maverick XL, with its hybrid engine and all its modern vehicle amenities, has a starting price of $27,000. The Maverick is about 25 inches longer and a couple inches wider than the Slate Truck, according to specs from both companies.

While Slate’s EV and the Maverick XL have similar maximum payload capacities at 1,433 and 1,500 pounds, respectively, the Maverick has double the towing capacity at 2,000 pounds (up to 4,000 pounds with an upgraded tow package).

Slate’s rear-wheel-drive truck is stocked with a 52.7-kWh battery pack with a range target of 150 miles. The company also will offer an upgraded 84.3-kWh pack with a target range of 240 miles.

While based in Michigan, Slate has a design studio in North Long Beach, according to city officials. The firm unveiled its EV during an event at the JetZero facility at Long Beach Airport.

Mayor Rex Richardson took to social media to boast about the company’s Long Beach ties, saying he is proud to officially welcome Slate to the city now that it’s “out of stealth mode.”

“Designed in Long Beach. Built in America,” Richardson wrote.

The trucks will be manufactured in the midwest, potentially at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, according to public records reviewed by techcrunch.com.

Internet reactions were mixed, with some poking fun at the concept itself, including one user who called it a “billionaire funded Temu truck.”

“I’ve seen golf carts with more features,” wrote @lbprotest on Instagram.

Many users across car-related subreddits noted the price seems high considering the lack of any amenities. Some said the concept was good but that they had no desire to be affiliated with another Bezos product, similar to recent pushback against Elon Musk’s Teslas.

But others were infatuated with the minimalist concept and ability to customize the vehicle.

“Looks wise I really dig it, like the kind of retro 80’s (sic) Land Cruiser vibe,” one user wrote. “I also dig the goals of this company.”

“I love the fact that they're showing off how customizable the vehicle can be,” wrote another. “Somehow this concept isn't more widely appreciated.”

Reservations for the Slate Truck are open and require a $50 deposit, which is refundable “if you chicken out,” according to the company website. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026.