A Blank Canvas on Wheels
The Slate electric pickup is designed with structural simplicity at its core. Straight from the factory, the truck arrives with unpainted, industrial-grade gray composite body panels, essentially functioning as a blank canvas. To help owners move beyond this stark aesthetic, the startup has announced an unexpected collaboration with the iconic brand Crayola.
This partnership introduces a series of vehicle wraps inspired by classic crayon colors, including Cerulean, Fern, Dandelion, Jersey Tomato, and Razzmatazz.
Understanding the Crayola 'Starter Pack'
These thematic vinyl kits are being marketed as premium "starter packs" with a retail price of $1,549.99 per color. This is a notable premium compared to Slate's standard vinyl offerings, which typically begin at $500, with specialized colors costing roughly $669.99. Buyers should also factor in an additional $500 for professional installation through the company's network.
Beyond the wrap itself, the package includes several thematic accessories:
- Graphic decals that mimic the signature black wavy lines found on traditional Crayola wrappers.
- A color-matched cover for the vehicle’s key fob.
- A specialized clip-on accessory for the interior windshield.
For those uninterested in a full-body transformation, Slate plans to offer more subtle options like racing stripes, custom door numbers, and partial wraps. The company has stated that its accessory marketplace will feature over 100 color alternatives when it goes live.
Vehicle Performance and Market Strategy
Slate has launched its pre-order portal, requiring a $300 non-refundable deposit. With a starting price of $24,950, the truck features a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery and a rear-wheel-drive motor producing 181 horsepower. The vehicle achieves a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds and offers a range of approximately 205 miles.
The Minimalist Cockpit
The interior design is intentionally stripped back. Eschewing modern digital infotainment screens and touch-heavy interfaces, the cabin relies on manual crank windows and a simple, integrated smartphone cradle. Despite the lack of high-tech amenities, early impressions highlight a ride quality that is surprisingly refined and quiet for a vehicle in this segment.
The business model relies heavily on these "high-margin" accessories, such as the Crayola kits, to ensure profitability, as the entry-level vehicle's low price point leaves little room for standard financial overhead. Furthermore, the truck’s modularity allows owners to purchase an aftermarket shell to convert the cargo bed into an enclosed two-row SUV configuration. With the addition of these upgrades, the total vehicle price can reach roughly $35,000. Customer deliveries are currently slated to commence in the final quarter of this year.