The new kid on the block
Slate Auto is the newest automaker on the scene, with strong support from Jeff Bezos and a few other ex-Amazon executives being just a few of its noteworthy attributes. Slate has been rightfully making headlines for its highly customizable $27,500 EV that plays double duty as a transformer, able to be easily turned from a truck into an SUV or a fastback SUV body style. Better yet, not only will that base MSRP drop to around $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit, but the automaker plans to produce its vehicles in the U.S.
Slate Auto
Slate happily flies the Red, White, and Blue
The EV startup is close to leasing a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, that was home to R.R. Donnelley until around two years ago. Slate has not disclosed the sum they’re paying for the 1.4 million-square-foot facility, but Indiana economic development officials told News Now! Warsaw earlier this year that the factory could employ up to 2,000 people and that the company was offered an incentive package by the county. Slate was not mentioned in any of these discussions, but a report from TechCrunch shows that aerial photos shown by the automaker earlier on Thursday match a public listing for the factory.
Slate Auto
Even before this, Slate Auto was based out of “Re:Build Manufacturing,” a company focused on “rekindling American industry.” It seems that patriotism and a dedication to local manufacturing are key points in Slate’s mission.
“Our truck will be made here in the USA as part of our commitment to re-industrializing America,” Slate’s CEO, Chris Barman, said onstage while the factory photo was displayed behind her.
Slate Auto
Final thoughts
It might seem insane to think that a locally made automobile can retail for $20,000 after the EV incentives, but there are two key factors contributing to that figure. The first is the simplistic nature of the Slate. One look at its configurator will show you just how barebones you can order this thing. Not to mention that any colors or designs you want are offered as wraps, rather than paint, saving both the customer and Slate oodles of cash. The second, of course, is the healthy dose of funding the company has received. Between Jeff Bezos, Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, and powerhouse VC firm General Catalyst, Slate Auto has raised well over $100 million to date.
If the excited customers speak with their wallets as well, we could not only see the introduction of one of the cheapest EVs around, but also a strong injection of capital into American manufacturing and the creation of hundreds of jobs. It’s safe to say that something of this magnitude is not often seen in the automotive industry, and we can only hope it’s as successful as it seems it will be.
