Source | Slate Auto

Slate Auto (Troy, Mich., U.S.) is a new company founded on a disruptive business model of simplifying the vehicle manufacturing process and removing unnecessary content to reduce cost and increase reliability. “The definition of what’s affordable is broken,” says Slate CEO Chris Barman.

The Slate Truck is a simplified yet stylish electric vehicle (EV) two-seat pickup, produced in a single configuration from the factory in Indiana. It features crank windows and HVAC knobs, a large frunk plus cargo area with a 1,400-pound payload.

“Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry,” notes Barman. “It is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV.”

Polypropylene composites are also a key feature. “We developed highly dent-resistant composite body panels,” explains Eric Keipper, head of engineering for Slate Auto. These are attached to a high-strength steel chassis frame. “We focused a lot on making sure we got the right material in the right place,” he adds, noting the first essential was safety — Slate is an NCAP five-star rated vehicle —  followed by reliability and durability, where he cites composites as a key enabler.

Owners can personalize their Slate truck with more than 100 accessories, available individually or bundled, at the time of purchase or as their needs change. These include bumper and fender styles, interior trim, roof racks and more. The flat-pack accessory SUV Kit, for example, turns the truck into a five-seat SUV, with a roll cage, airbags and rear seat. Owners can choose to install these extras themselves or have a partner auto shop help. Three levels of vehicle wrapping are also available for a customized exterior via vinyl wraps that is affordable while enabling inventive and easily updated looks.