Slate EV Truck Hits 150,000 Reservations Amid EV Slowdown
The Slate EV truck has crossed a major milestone, surpassing 150,000 refundable reservations despite waning enthusiasm for electric pickups across the U.S. market. Backed by Jeff Bezos, the startup says demand continues to rise as it prepares to launch its low-cost electric truck by late 2026. For consumers wondering whether affordable EV trucks still have a future, Slate’s growing reservation count suggests interest hasn’t vanished—it’s simply become more selective. At a time when legacy automakers are scaling back electric truck ambitions, Slate is betting that simplicity, price, and realistic expectations can still win buyers over. The question now is whether reservations can translate into real-world production and sales.
Credit: Slate AutoSlate EV Truck Reservations Continue to Climb
Slate Auto confirmed the new reservation total in a recently released Q&A video featuring CEO Chris Barman, who addressed common questions from early supporters. Topics ranged from safety and family use to advanced driver-assistance features, with Barman clarifying that the truck will not include self-driving technology. Instead, Slate is prioritizing affordability, durability, and core functionality. The company emphasized that customers will be able to install car seats in optional rear seating, signaling a broader appeal beyond traditional work-truck buyers. While reservations are fully refundable, the steady growth suggests sustained consumer curiosity rather than a short-lived hype cycle. For a startup still years from production, that consistency matters.
Why Reservations Matter—but Don’t Guarantee Success
Reservation numbers have become a familiar talking point in the EV industry, but history shows they can be misleading. Over the past several years, numerous electric vehicle startups have announced eye-catching reservation figures only to later collapse under manufacturing delays or funding shortfalls. Reservations signal interest, not commitment, especially when deposits are refundable. That said, Slate’s situation differs slightly because its reservation count continues to rise rather than plateau. The company crossed 100,000 reservations shortly after emerging from stealth earlier this year, and the list has kept growing since. While not a guarantee of success, it does indicate Slate has avoided the sharp drop-offs seen by some competitors.
Growth Pace Raises Questions About Long-Term Demand
Despite the headline number, Slate’s reservation growth has been gradual rather than explosive. It took roughly seven months to add 50,000 new reservations after hitting the 100,000 mark in May. That pace suggests steady interest but also highlights the challenge ahead. Slate plans to eventually produce up to 150,000 trucks per year at its refurbished factory in Warsaw, Indiana. To support that level of output, the company will need demand well beyond its current reservation pool. Converting early interest into long-term buyers—especially as market conditions evolve—will be one of Slate’s biggest tests.
Electric Truck Market Faces a Reality Check
Slate’s momentum stands out partly because the broader electric truck segment is struggling. Just days ago, Ford announced it would end production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, citing weak profitability and sluggish sales. Once positioned as a flagship EV, the Lightning reportedly sold only a few thousand units per quarter, far below expectations. Other electric pickups, including Tesla’s Cybertruck and GM’s Silverado EV, have also faced demand constraints. Rising costs, charging concerns, and shifting consumer priorities have cooled enthusiasm for large, expensive electric trucks, forcing automakers to rethink their strategies.
Lessons From the Fall of the F-150 Lightning
Ford’s experience with the Lightning offers insight into what Slate is trying to avoid. The Lightning was essentially an electrified version of an existing gas-powered truck, resulting in higher costs and design compromises. While it delivered impressive performance, it struggled to appeal to price-sensitive buyers. Slate, by contrast, designed its EV truck from the ground up as an electric vehicle. This clean-sheet approach allows the company to simplify components, reduce manufacturing complexity, and target a significantly lower price point. In theory, that could make the Slate EV truck more accessible to everyday consumers rather than early adopters alone.
Slate’s Low-Cost Strategy Could Be Its Edge
Affordability sits at the center of Slate’s pitch. The company aims to sell its electric truck in the mid-$20,000 range, undercutting most competitors by a wide margin. That pricing strategy aligns with growing consumer demand for practical, budget-friendly EVs rather than premium models loaded with experimental features. By skipping autonomous driving tech and focusing on essential functionality, Slate hopes to keep costs down and reliability high. If successful, the approach could attract buyers who want an electric vehicle without the financial leap typically associated with EV ownership.
Backing and Leadership Add Credibility
Slate’s leadership and financial backing also contribute to its credibility. CEO Chris Barman has been increasingly visible, using direct communication to address concerns and manage expectations. The involvement of Jeff Bezos as a backer adds both financial stability and visibility, which can be crucial for a capital-intensive automotive startup. While funding alone doesn’t guarantee execution, it does give Slate more runway than many failed EV ventures. Combined with a clear product vision, this support strengthens Slate’s position as it navigates the difficult path to production.
Timing May Work in Slate’s Favor
Ironically, the pullback by major automakers could benefit Slate in the near term. As Ford and others step away from electric trucks, competition may temporarily thin out, giving Slate room to establish itself. Consumers who still want an electric pickup—but not a $70,000 one—may find Slate’s offering appealing. However, this window may be short-lived. Ford has already signaled plans for a truly low-cost EV platform expected around 2027, which could quickly intensify competition once again.
The Road From Reservations to Reality
Ultimately, the success of the Slate EV truck will depend on execution. Turning reservations into delivered vehicles requires flawless coordination across manufacturing, supply chains, and regulatory approvals. The Warsaw, Indiana factory refurbishment is a critical piece of that puzzle, as is maintaining cost discipline in an unpredictable economic environment. Slate must also continue building trust with reservation holders over the next two years, ensuring transparency and realistic timelines. In an industry littered with broken promises, credibility may be as valuable as capital.
What Slate’s Milestone Really Signals
Crossing 150,000 reservations doesn’t guarantee Slate’s long-term success, but it does signal something important: interest in electric trucks hasn’t disappeared. Instead, buyers appear more cautious, value-driven, and skeptical of overhyped technology. Slate’s rise suggests there is still room for EV startups that focus on affordability, practicality, and clear communication. Whether Slate can turn that interest into a sustainable business remains to be seen, but for now, its growing reservation list stands out in an otherwise cooling electric truck market.
