Slate Auto changes CEO months ahead of affordable EV launch
Source: TechCrunch
Leadership Change
Former Amazon Marketplace vice‑president Peter Faricy is now the chief executive of Slate Auto. He started on Monday, according to Slate spokesperson Jeff Jablansky, who told TechCrunch. Prior to joining Slate, Faricy served as an advisor at McKinsey and Bessemer Venture Partners, leaving Bessemer to take the new role — a move first reported by Newsweek.
Slate’s first CEO, longtime Chrysler veteran Christine Barman, has shifted to the role of President of Vehicles. Barman was Slate’s first hire when the project was still a secretive effort called re:Car inside the Massachusetts‑based manufacturing incubator re:Build Manufacturing, as TechCrunch first revealed last year (source).
In her new position, Barman said she will do “everything we need” to deliver the truck “on time and on budget,” per Jablansky.
Company Background
Slate Auto has raised roughly $700 million from Bezos and other wealthy backers. The company originally promoted its electric truck as starting at under $20,000 before the federal EV tax credit was removed under the Trump administration. The current target price is now in the mid‑$20,000 range. Buyers will be able to customize the vehicle, even converting it into an SUV for an additional cost.
Pricing and Target Market
- Initial promotional claim: “under $20,000” (see TechCrunch coverage of the pricing shift).
- Updated target: mid‑$20,000 range.
- Customization options include SUV conversion and other upgrades.
Preorders and Upcoming Launch
Slate is preparing to convert its list of refundable pre‑orders—now about 160,000 people—into firm vehicle orders, according to Jablansky. This transition comes as the company moves toward the June price reveal and eventual production of its basic electric truck.
“Peter’s experience building Amazon Marketplace was really critical for us,” Jablansky added.