Slate CEO shares details on company’s 'mid-$20s' EV pickup

Slate Automotive, based in Troy, Michigan, will begin delivering its compact electric pickup in the fourth quarter of 2026, with prices starting in the mid-$20s. The company, led by CEO Peter Faricy, has already secured over 160,000 reservations, exceeding a year’s production capacity. The vehicle is designed for extensive customization, including 100+ colorful exterior wraps, three body styles (two-door pickup, fastback, and square-back SUV), and modular seating options. The pickup uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a 150-mile range per charge while reducing costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Production relies on a simplified process, including plastic body panels and no paint shop, with vehicles initially shipped in battleship gray. Customers can apply wraps themselves or hire professionals, with custom designs available starting in 2027. Slate’s Troy factory, formerly a printing plant for Sears and JC Penney, employs 150 workers and aims to produce 150,000 vehicles annually. The company expects the pickup to achieve a five-star safety rating upon launch, meeting all federal safety standards. The vehicle’s steel frame and modular design allow owners to transform it between a pickup and an SUV over time. With fewer than 800 parts compared to 3,000–4,000 in traditional pickups, Slate reduces manufacturing complexity while offering flexibility. The company’s approach combines affordable pricing, customization, and a streamlined production model to disrupt the electric vehicle market.