Slate Auto will start taking orders for its low-cost EV on June 24
Source: TechCrunch
Order Window Opens June 24
Slate Auto, the electric‑vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, announced that it will officially start taking orders for its low‑cost EV on June 24, ahead of the first deliveries slated for later this year.
The company emailed prospective buyers on Thursday, encouraging them to make a reservation now—before “pre‑orders” begin next month—to secure a delivery window before non‑reservers.
Pricing
Slate has not yet disclosed the starting price for the vehicle. The startup previously said it would reveal final pricing in June. Earlier statements suggested a base version could start at under $20,000 with a $7,500 federal tax credit, but that credit was eliminated by the Trump administration and Congress in late 2024. Slate now indicates the vehicle will launch in the mid‑$20,000 range.
Background
The four‑year‑old company emerged from stealth in April 2025 after TechCrunch revealed its secretive plans to build a low‑cost, no‑frills, customizable vehicle. Slate once touted that the base model—convertible from a two‑seater truck to a five‑seat SUV—could be priced “under $20,000” with the federal credit.
The concept of a simple EV with hand‑crank windows and no paint has resonated with consumers. More than 160,000 potential customers have made refundable $50 reservations since the EV was unveiled last year. As with other EV startups, converting reservation holders into actual buyers remains a challenge.
Leadership Change
To address this challenge, Slate named a new CEO in March. The company is now led by former Amazon Marketplace vice president Peter Faricy. Many of Slate’s leadership positions are filled by ex‑Amazon executives.
Funding
Slate has secured substantial financial backing. In April, the company announced a $650 million Series C round, bringing total funding to roughly $1.4 billion. A significant portion of this capital appears to have come from Walter’s financial firm, TWG Global. While Bezos participated in Slate’s initial funding, his involvement in later rounds has not been publicly detailed.
Board Update
In May, TechCrunch reported that the manager of Bezos’s family office who sat on Slate’s board had stepped down (source).