How 'Build Your Own' Slate EV Could Revolutionize the Future of Cars

A New Era in Electric Pick-Up Trucks

In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles, one name has captured the attention of many: the Cybertruck. Six years ago, I found myself in Los Angeles for the LA Motor Show when I received a call from Elon Musk’s team inviting me to a party celebrating the launch of this groundbreaking vehicle. As someone who has always had a soft spot for US pick-up trucks and electric cars, I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

After a delightful evening with Elon and learning that the Cybertruck was inspired by the Lotus Esprit, one of my favorite cars, I decided to put down a deposit. However, as time passed and the Cybertruck was eventually launched, it became clear that it would never make its way to the UK. Moreover, my initial excitement began to fade, not just because of its stainless steel bodywork but also due to changing tastes.

Earlier this year, I encountered another all-electric pick-up truck called the Slate, which has since replaced the Cybertruck in my affections.

The Slate is one of the most innovative cars I've seen in over 30 years of reporting on vehicles. Why? Because it's affordable, enjoyable, and genuinely impressive. Like Tesla, the Slate has taken a clean-sheet approach to building a car, but with a strong focus on cost. The Slate is expected to start at less than $25,000 (£18,800 today), making it significantly cheaper than a Cybertruck.

What makes the Slate so clever is its flexibility. You can purchase a "blank" Slate – a simple pick-up that you can leave as is, complete with wind-up windows, or customize it to your liking. This customization isn't limited to colors; you can turn it into an SUV if desired.

You can change the wheels, bodywork, and interior; add speakers, spaces for your own tech, and even upgrade to electric windows. There are dozens of accessories you can fit yourself, or the team at Slate will do it for you. They’ll even wrap it in a choice of colors, or cover it in stripes and stickers.

From a production standpoint, using grey polycarbonate panels keeps costs low. Yet, it still has a sense of style – slightly retro to start with – that you can then make your own.

It’s everything the Cybertruck isn’t, especially when it comes to being socially acceptable.

The team at Slate is being cautious about export plans – the first cars aren’t expected to be delivered until 2027. But I hope exports will be part of the vision for a vehicle that is far more than just a US pick-up. It could mark a whole new way of making and selling cars.

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