Slate

Slate Auto is a new American EV startup based in Troy, Michigan. It's focused on building affordable, radically simple electric vehicles. Backed by high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos, the company hopes to offer consumers a "blank slate" of an automobile. Its debut vehicle, simply called the Truck, is a two-door compact electric pickup. True to Slate's minimalist ethos, the base model is incredibly bare-bones, eschewing built-in infotainment touchscreens, speakers, power windows, and even factory paint. Instead, it features an unpainted gray body designed to be customized with vinyl wraps, while drivers will need to rely on their own smartphones for navigation. Despite its ultra-simple foundation, the Truck is highly adaptable. Owners can purchase modular conversion kits to transform the vehicle into a five-seat SUV, making it a highly customizable option for budget-conscious buyers.