In April 2025, Slate Auto, a new company, emerged from stealth and surprised the automotive industry. Backed by Jeff Bezos, the startup was dedicated to producing an affordable, customizable electric pickup truck, having operated secretly for three years in Troy, Michigan, near major automakers like Ford and General Motors.
TechCrunch broke the news in early April about the company’s existence, its connection to the Amazon founder, and its unique business model. Between the initial report and Slate’s official debut in late April, the company generated a whirlwind of news as prototypes of its truck appeared in California.
Slate stands out in the U.S. EV sector, where bankruptcies and failed product launches are common. Though it has compelling backers, an executive team, a unique product, and a promising business model, challenges remain as it aims for production in late 2026.
Timeline of Slate Auto:
**April 8** – TechCrunch revealed Slate Auto’s existence after a year-long investigation, noting its financial support from Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter. The startup was developing a low-cost electric pickup truck priced around $25,000, with deep customization options inspired by former Harley-Davidson and Chrysler employees.
**April 10** – A photo of an unidentified electric truck circulated online, with speculation linking it to Slate. TechCrunch confirmed it was a prototype from Slate’s Long Beach, California design center.
**April 21** – Slate released concept versions of its EV on public roads, styled as SUVs or hatchbacks, to generate interest before its April 24 launch. TechCrunch reported on the vehicle’s Transformer-like modular capabilities, hinting at its customization options.
**April 24** – At its launch event, Slate revealed its highly customizable electric pickup truck, starting at under $20,000 with a federal EV tax credit. The base model was minimalist, with 150 miles of range and customizable features.
**April 25** – Slate identified a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana as its truck production site, a 1.4 million-square-foot facility dormant for two years.
**May 12** – Slate reported over 100,000 refundable reservations for its affordable EV truck, indicating wide public interest.
**July 3** – Following a new tax bill by the Trump administration ending the federal EV tax credit, Slate removed the “under $20,000” pricing from its website.
**July 8** – Slate’s 2023 funding round involved at least 16 investors, including Bezos. LA-based Slauson & Co. discussed its early investment in Slate with TechCrunch.
**October 30** – Slate Auto CEO Chris Barman appeared at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to discuss the company’s challenges and customization marketplace plans.
**December 16** – Slate reached 150,000 refundable reservations for its truck and SUV, showing strong interest despite the end of the tax credit and cooling EV enthusiasm.
**2026**
**March 9** – Slate surprised the industry by appointing former Amazon Marketplace VP Peter Faricy as CEO, with former CEO Chris Barman transitioning to “President of Vehicles” as the company aimed to convert reservations into orders for its year-end launch.