Slate's Affordable EV Truck Plans Just Got A Major New Lifeline

Home Slate Slate Truck News Slate's Affordable EV Truck Plans Just Got A Major New Lifeline The startup has secured millions more in funding to bring its affordable EV dreams to life

What's Happening

Is its timing too late or just right. Photo by: Slate Suvrat Kothari By : Suvrat Kothari Apr 13, at 11:09am ET "/> Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail copy Share Comment EV startup Slate Auto just closed its Series C funding round. It has over 160,000 reservations for its affordable electric truck. The latest cash infusion should help scale up manufacturing.

Why This Matters for EV Owners

• Slate Auto, the Jeff Bezos-backed electric vehicle startup, has raised $650 million to fuel its push to launch an affordable, mass-market truck, the company said on Monday
• Investment firm TWG Global led the round
• The cash infusion will be critical to developing the Slate truck and scaling up manufacturing at its plant in Warsaw, Indiana
• The company plans to begin production by the end of this year

The Bigger Picture

The startup was founded in 2022 and emerged from stealth last year. It originally banked on the $7,500 federal EV tax credit to bring the electric truck's starting price under $20,000. With that credit now gone, the target price has crept up to around $25,000. Gallery: Slate Auto EV Truck 42 Source: Slate That makes this funding round all the more important. Launching an electric car company in 2026 in the U.

What This Means for Your Wallet

Based on current European charging rates, DC fast charging costs between €0.30-0.65 per kWh depending on the network and country. This translates to roughly 40-60% savings compared to equivalent petrol costs. A typical fast-charging session takes 20-45 min (10-80% DC fast) — enough time for a coffee break on a long trip.

Real-World Range Considerations

EVRoutes' route calculations account for real-world conditions. In winter, expect 15-30% range reduction due to battery chemistry and cabin heating. Pro tip: Pre-conditioning the battery before DC fast charging can improve charging speeds by up to 30% in cold weather.

What to Watch Next

means running headlong into a market where EV demand remains uneven, legacy automakers are pivoting back toward hybrids and gas vehicles, and competition is only getting stiffer. That said, having billionaire backers in your corner doesn't hurt. Every "Blank Slate" will ship from the factory in a no-frills base configuration that includes steel wheels and an interior so spartan it lacks an infotainment screen, speakers, or even powered windows. The only option at the factory is between a base battery with 150 miles of range and an upgraded pack with 240 miles of range.