Hello, tech lovers! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of electric vehicles with a story that’s got everything: secret startups, big backers, and cool tech. Buckle up!

In April 2025, a stealthy company named Slate Auto burst onto the scene, surprising the auto world. Hidden in Troy, Michigan, for three years, they focused on creating a low-cost, customizable electric pickup truck. The twist? Jeff Bezos and the LA Dodgers’ Mark Walter backed this project with serious trust, even while it stayed under the radar.

Just two days after our first scoop, a photo surfaced online showing what looked like Slate’s prototype truck parked outside their Long Beach design hub. Confirmed by TechCrunch, this was a real, working prototype. Peoples’ curiosity grew as sightings of the truck started to spread, sparking widespread interest.

TechCrunch revealed that Slate was designing an EV that could transform—literally. They showcased concepts with modular parts, more like robots than traditional trucks. This flexible design teased a future where owners could customize their truck in ways never seen before in the EV world.

On April 24, Slate officially launched its truck in Long Beach. The vehicle broke the mold with a plain, affordable base model priced under $20,000, even after the federal EV tax credit. It’s stripped-down initially, with modest range and no fancy features, but it’s fully customizable—seating, looks, and shape can all be tailored to the owner’s liking.

Plans seemed promising when Slate identified a massive, abandoned printing plant in Indiana as its production site. The 1.4 million-square-foot facility was perfect for their ambitious manufacturing plans.

Within just two weeks, Slate had already taken over 100,000 refundable $50 reservations. That’s a strong sign of consumer interest, especially for a company that just appeared out of nowhere.

However, politics threw a wrench into the plans. When the Trump administration ended the $7,500 federal EV tax credit in September, Slate’s starting price was affected. They removed the “under $20,000” promise from their website in response, adjusting expectations.

Early investors stood out, notably Slauson & Co. from Los Angeles, which revealed why they backed Slate early on. Among the investors was none other than Jeff Bezos, providing both funding and a boost of credibility for this daring startup.

Slate Auto is a thrilling example of innovation and big dreams in the EV space. With modular tech, aggressive pricing, and strong backers, it’s definitely a startup to watch as it moves toward production in late 2026.