Slate Auto to Build $20K Electric Truck at Former Indiana Printing Plant
Looking for information about where Slate Auto’s electric truck will be made or whether it’s really launching a $20K EV in the U.S.? The fast-rising EV startup Slate Auto is finalizing plans to manufacture its budget-friendly electric truck at a massive former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana. Public records confirm that the facility, once owned by R.R. Donnelley, will be transformed into a high-output electric vehicle factory. Backed by powerhouse investors like Jeff Bezos and General Catalyst, Slate Auto is setting out to disrupt the EV market by offering a U.S.-made truck that costs under $20,000 after federal tax credits—an ambitious move that’s already sparking attention across the auto and investment sectors.
Massive Indiana Plant Poised for EV Revival
Slate Auto is expected to lease the 1.4 million-square-foot facility for its operations, potentially employing up to 2,000 people. Economic development officials from Kosciusko County have confirmed incentive packages were offered to an unnamed company earlier this year—now revealed to be Slate Auto. While the specifics of the incentive deal remain confidential under a non-disclosure agreement, it’s clear that state and local leaders are betting big on Slate’s EV vision.
The factory, originally built in 1958, has been idle for about two years. Its revival comes as part of a larger trend of re-industrialization in America, a key pillar of Slate’s strategy. At a recent company event, CEO Chris Barman highlighted the company’s commitment to “making trucks in the USA,” reinforcing the value of domestic manufacturing in strengthening both economic growth and national energy independence.
How Slate Plans to Cut EV Production Costs
Unlike traditional automakers, Slate Auto is focused on affordability through smart, cost-saving innovations. One standout tactic: instead of using costly paint shops, Slate will offer customizable truck wraps. This approach not only reduces production complexity but also slashes hundreds of millions in upfront infrastructure costs. Such savings are crucial for keeping the final vehicle price under $20K—a potential game-changer for budget-conscious consumers exploring EV options.
The company’s ability to make electric vehicles in the United States at scale while keeping prices down also positions it favorably for federal incentives, including tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Combined with high investor confidence and strategic location advantages in Indiana, Slate Auto is laying the groundwork for long-term success in the ultra-competitive electric truck market.
Major Backing for a Bold EV Vision
Slate Auto isn’t just another EV startup—it’s one with deep pockets and serious ambitions. With funding from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, and venture capital giant General Catalyst, the company has raised over $100 million to date. It also benefits from being incubated inside Re:Build Manufacturing, a Massachusetts-based firm focused on reviving American industrial capabilities.
This unique combination of capital, innovation, and mission-driven manufacturing makes Slate a standout player in the evolving electric truck landscape. As consumers, policymakers, and investors push for cleaner, more affordable transportation solutions, Slate’s under-$20K electric truck could be just what the U.S. market needs.
What This Means for EV Buyers and Job Seekers
For EV buyers, Slate’s entry brings hope for a truly affordable, practical electric truck—without sacrificing American quality or contributing to overseas supply chains. For Indiana’s workforce and economy, the new facility represents thousands of job opportunities and a fresh industrial identity for Warsaw, long known for its manufacturing roots.
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