Slate Auto, a rising star in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, has achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing 150,000 reservations for its low-cost electric pickup truck, despite a noticeable dip in enthusiasm for EV trucks across the market.
This achievement, reported by TechCrunch, highlights that in just seven months, Slate Auto grew its customer list by 50%, with new reservations outpacing cancellations—a sign of sustained interest in their offering.
The Rise of Slate Auto in a Challenging Market
Backed by high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos, Slate Auto burst onto the scene in April 2025 with a mission to offer an affordable, customizable EV truck that stands in stark contrast to competitors like Tesla.
The company’s rapid growth—reaching 100,000 refundable reservations within two weeks of launch—demonstrates a unique appeal, especially with a starting price below $28,000 before incentives.
Why EV Truck Enthusiasm Is Waning
Despite Slate’s success, the broader EV truck market faces headwinds, with consumer demand softening due to concerns over range, charging infrastructure, and economic uncertainty.
Recent moves by major players like Ford, which scaled back its all-electric F-150 Lightning in favor of hybrids, underscore the shifting dynamics and waning support for full electrification under changing political and economic climates.
Historical Context: A Competitive Landscape
Historically, EV truck reservations have been a key indicator of market hype, with Tesla’s Cybertruck amassing an estimated 1.8 million reservations at its peak, while Rivian and Ford also reported significant backlogs in prior years.
However, translating reservations into actual sales remains a challenge for many, as refundable deposits—often as low as $50 in Slate’s case—do not guarantee final purchases.
Impact on the Industry and Consumers
Slate Auto’s ability to maintain momentum could signal a niche demand for affordable, no-frills EV trucks, potentially pressuring competitors to rethink pricing and design strategies.
Looking ahead, the company’s success may inspire renewed interest in the segment, especially if it can deliver on its promise of affordability and customization at scale.
The Future of Slate Auto and EV Trucks
As Slate Auto prepares for production and its world debut at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the industry watches closely to see if it can convert reservations into deliveries without the delays that have plagued other EV startups.
Ultimately, while challenges remain, Slate’s milestone of 150,000 reservations offers a glimmer of hope for the EV truck market, proving that with the right approach, consumer interest can still be captured even in a cooling landscape.
Maria Lourdes
