Slate's low-cost electric truck starts at $24,950 plus a $1,450 destination charge, with a projected 205-mile range and minimal phone-centric interior. Preorders are open for a $300 non-refundable deposit, with first deliveries expected in late 2026. The truck is US-only per company FAQ and preorder terms, excluding Canada and other international markets initially.

Slate Auto, founded in 2022 and backed by about $1.4 billion in funding including from Jeff Bezos' family office, is converting a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana into its production facility. The company will sell directly, use Repair Pal's service network, and equip all trucks with NACS for Tesla Supercharger access in the US. Keeping operations domestic simplifies Slate's first rollout as a young automaker.

Expanding internationally would require navigating new regulations, certifications, logistics, and service arrangements before US deliveries begin. Canada exemplifies the cross-border challenge: a 25% retaliatory tariff on non-USMCA-compliant US vehicles applies, and personal imports face barriers under Transport Canada rules, including admissibility and potential modification needs for Canadian safety standards. Slate has not announced Canadian certification, service, or warranty plans.

While the 2026 Ford Maverick XL costs $3,195 more than the Slate, it offers five seats, power windows, and a 13.2-inch display as standard. Adding potential cross-border costs diminishes Slate's low-cost appeal despite its simplicity in the US market.