We Drove the 2027 Slate Truck. Simplicity Might Be Its Superpower.

The Story

MotorTrend drove a pre-production prototype of the 2027 Slate Truck in Newport, Rhode Island. The minimalist electric pickup starts at $26,400 and features hand-crank windows, unpainted body panels, and a bare-bones interior with manually operated fabric seats. The truck is about 25 inches shorter than a Ford Maverick and comes with a 5-foot cargo bed and two front seats.

Why It Matters

The Slate Truck represents a radical approach to affordable EVs, omitting traditional infotainment systems in favor of smartphone integration and offering over 200 optional accessories. Unlike the failed Lordstown electric pickup, this pre-production model feels properly constructed with solid door closures and well-aligned body panels. The vehicle aims to challenge Americans’ attitudes about basic transportation with its no-frills philosophy.

CarMotion Daily’s Take

The hand-crank windows and coated-metal door handles show Slate paid attention to critical touch points rather than simply cutting costs everywhere. While the hollow-sounding dashboard may need refinement before production, the truck delivers genuine driving enjoyment and nimble handling that belies its budget-focused mission. If the final version maintains this quality feel at its $26,400 starting price, the Slate could prove that simplicity is indeed a superpower in the EV market.