What the Slate Electric Pickup Truck Is
Slate is an electric pickup truck built by Slate, a startup manufacturer focused on work-focused EVs. The truck is designed as a mid-size electric pickup with a focus on towing capacity, payload, and range — aimed at contractors, small business owners, and people who need a truck for both daily driving and job sites. It competes in the same market segment as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV, but with different pricing and feature priorities.
The Slate truck uses a battery-electric powertrain with no internal combustion engine. Like other electric pickups, it has no transmission fluid, spark plugs, or oil changes. The bed and cab layout follow traditional pickup proportions, so it fits into standard parking spaces and garages designed for full-size trucks.
Key Takeaways
- Slate is a newer manufacturer, so dealer networks and service availability are limited compared to Ford or Chevrolet, and you should check what repair shops near you can service it before buying.
- The truck's range, towing capacity, and charging time depend on which battery and motor configuration you choose, so compare the specs of each trim level against your actual driving needs.
- Charging at home requires a 240-volt outlet installation, which costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your electrical panel and distance from the garage.
- Federal tax credits for electric vehicles change by year and income level, and some states offer additional rebates that may reduce the purchase price.
- Resale value for new EV models is harder to predict than for established trucks, so factor in longer ownership if you plan to keep the vehicle long-term.
Battery Range and Real-World Driving Distance
Slate offers the truck with multiple battery sizes. The base configuration typically delivers between 200 and 250 miles of EPA-estimated range, while larger battery packs can reach 300 miles or more. These numbers assume highway driving under ideal conditions — real-world range drops in cold weather, at highway speeds above 60 mph, and when towing.
If you tow regularly, subtract 20 to 40 percent from the rated range depending on the weight and aerodynamics of your trailer. A contractor hauling tools and materials on a 50-mile job site round trip will see less range loss than someone towing a 5,000-pound trailer on the highway. Check the manufacturer's towing range estimates for your specific use case rather than relying on the base range number.
Cold weather reduces range by 20 to 40 percent in many electric trucks. If you live in a climate where winter temperatures regularly drop below 32°F, plan for shorter driving distances during those months, or budget for a larger battery to maintain your summer range.
Charging at Home and on the Road
Home charging is the most practical option for daily use. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges very slowly — roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour — and is not practical for truck owners who drive more than 30 miles per day. A 240-volt Level 2 charger installed in your garage or driveway adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour and is the standard home setup for EV owners.
Installing a 240-volt charger costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on how far your garage is from your electrical panel and whether your panel needs an upgrade. If you rent or live in an apartment, home charging may not be an option, and you will rely on public charging networks instead. Ask your electrician for a quote before committing to the truck purchase.
Public charging networks like Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, and EVgo offer faster charging on road trips. A DC fast charger can add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery fills. If you frequently drive long distances or live in a rural area with sparse charging infrastructure, map out the charging network along your regular routes before buying.
Towing Capacity and Payload
Slate's towing capacity varies by motor and battery configuration. Base models typically tow between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds, while higher-trim versions with dual motors can reach 12,000 pounds or more. Payload capacity — the weight you can carry in the bed — ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds depending on the configuration.
These numbers are lower than some gas-powered full-size trucks, but competitive with mid-size gas trucks and other electric pickups in the same price range. If you regularly tow more than 10,000 pounds or need to carry heavy loads in the bed, compare the Slate's specs directly against the Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevrolet Silverado EV to see which truck meets your needs.
Towing a trailer reduces range significantly and increases charging time. A 5,000-pound trailer on a highway trip can cut your range in half. If towing is a regular part of your work, factor in extra charging time and plan routes with charging stations in mind.
Service, Warranty, and Dealer Availability
Slate is a newer manufacturer with a smaller dealer and service network than Ford, Chevrolet, or Toyota. Before buying, contact Slate directly or visit their website to find authorized service centers near your home and workplace. If the nearest service center is more than 30 miles away, ask whether they offer mobile service or loaner vehicles while yours is being repaired.
The truck typically comes with a warranty covering the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and the powertrain for a similar period. Read the warranty document carefully to understand what is covered — battery degradation, for example, is often covered only if capacity drops below a certain threshold, not for normal wear.
Because Slate is newer, long-term reliability data is limited. Check owner forums and early reviews to see what problems have appeared in the first few years of production. Service records and parts availability will improve as the company grows, but in the early years you may face longer wait times for repairs or parts than you would with an established manufacturer.
Purchase Price and Federal Tax Credits
The Slate truck's base price typically starts in the mid-$40,000 range, with higher trims reaching $60,000 or more depending on battery size and motor configuration. This places it below the Ford F-150 Lightning but in the same ballpark as other mid-size electric pickups.
Federal tax credits for electric vehicles are currently up to $7,500, though the amount depends on your income, the truck's final assembly location, and the cost of its battery. Some configurations may not may have access to for the full credit. Check the IRS website or Slate's website for the current credit amount for the specific trim you are considering.
Several states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. California, New York, Colorado, and others have their own programs with different income limits and vehicle requirements. Research your state's current incentives before finalizing your purchase, as these programs change year to year.
Comparing the Slate to Other Electric Pickups
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the most established electric pickup on the market, with a larger dealer network and more real-world ownership data. It offers higher towing capacity in some configurations and faster charging speeds, but costs more upfront. The Chevrolet Silverado EV is newer but benefits from GM's established service network.
The Slate positions itself as a lower-cost alternative with a focus on work use rather than luxury features. If your priority is the lowest purchase price and you are comfortable with a newer brand, the Slate may make sense. If you prioritize dealer availability, resale value, or proven reliability, the Ford or Chevrolet may be worth the extra cost.
Consider your actual towing and payload needs, your access to home charging, and how far the nearest service center is. A truck that costs $5,000 less upfront but requires a 60-mile drive for service may not save you money over five years of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge a Slate truck from empty to full?
At home with a 240-volt Level 2 charger, a full charge takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the battery size. At a DC fast charger on the road, you can add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, though the final 20 percent of charge is slower. Plan for longer charging times in cold weather.
Can I tow a trailer with a Slate electric truck?
Yes, towing capacity ranges from 7,000 to 12,000 pounds depending on the motor and battery configuration. Towing reduces range by 20 to 40 percent, so plan charging stops on long trips. Check the manufacturer's towing specs for the exact trim you are considering.
What happens if I run out of battery while driving?
The truck will slow down and alert you to find a charger, similar to a gas truck's low-fuel warning. Unlike a gas truck, you cannot coast to a gas station — plan your route with charging stations in mind, especially on longer drives or when towing.
Is the Slate truck covered by a warranty?
Yes, the battery is typically covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, and the powertrain for a similar period. Read the warranty terms to understand what battery degradation is covered and what maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid.
Will the Slate truck hold its value?
Resale value for new EV models is harder to predict than for established trucks because the used market is still developing. Plan for longer ownership if you buy a Slate, or factor in potential depreciation when calculating your total cost of ownership over five years.