Slate's budget EV truck asks drivers to bring their own tech

The low starting price stems from a "bring your own tech" approach. The truck has no built-in infotainment system; instead, a mount and USB port hold and connect a driver's own phone. A space for a portable Bluetooth speaker lets drivers bring their music from home, and Slate claims the setup avoids a "bulky, distracting, and quickly outdated infotainment system." When compared with all pickups on the market, Engadget says the Slate is the cheapest and the most affordable EV before fees.

The Slate Truck comes in three body styles: an open-bed two-seat pickup, a fully enclosed SUV, and a fastback with a sloped rear roofline. An open-air body kit, available for any version, adds removable roof panels and a bench seat for three more riders.

For safety compliance, the truck includes a backup camera. A roughly 4-inch LCD behind the steering wheel activates when the driver shifts into reverse.

Additional accessories cost extra. A tablet mount for iPad owners is sold separately with no announced price, as is the speaker mount. Buyers can add a Front Center Integrated Speaker for $249.99 and optional Left and Right Integrated Speakers for $149.99, though the front speaker must be purchased first.

A Bluetooth control button for the steering wheel, priced unlisted, connects to a device to change songs and can be programmed to control exterior lights and other add-ons. For $275, Slate sells a subscription-based Telematics Module that lets a smartphone unlock doors and precondition the battery through an app.