James May Calls Slate Truck ‘Easier Than Tesla’ in Pre-Launch Review
The $24,950 electric pickup features manual windows and no touchscreen, prioritizing basic functionality over modern software.
Former Top Gear host James May has praised the upcoming Slate Auto electric pickup as "unburdensome" and surprisingly easy to live with, stating it is "even easier" than his own Tesla. The review comes ahead of the Jeff Bezos-backed startup’s planned December delivery launch.
What Happened
May, who tested the vehicle before its official release, highlighted the truck’s stripped-back nature as a key advantage. "This is a welcome return to the pickup philosophy. It’s straightforward and basic and cheap as it should be," May said. He noted that while the regenerative braking under one-pedal driving was pronounced, it was easy to adapt to, and he described the ride as "pretty good" despite the short wheelbase and large tires.
The Slate truck starts at $24,950 before a $1,450 destination charge. It is a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive pickup designed to minimize costs by eliminating modern digital features. There is no touchscreen, conventional stereo, or elaborate interior trim. Instead, buyers receive air conditioning, cruise control, and physical controls, with manually operated windows and mirrors. The vehicle uses a single electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with a projected EPA range of 205 miles.
May criticized one specific design flaw, noting a "big blind spot" over his left shoulder, but otherwise found the budget, plasticky interior "perfectly okay." He compared the vehicle’s customization strategy to buying a bagel: "You buy the bagel and then you put the filling in." This approach allows owners to add accessories, exterior wraps, or conversion kits to transform the pickup into an SUV or fastback, rather than bundling features into the base price.
Why It Matters
The Slate truck represents a distinct counter-narrative to the trend of increasingly expensive, software-heavy electric vehicles. By offering a projected 205-mile range, a 1,550-pound payload capacity, and 2,000-pound towing capacity at a sub-$25,000 price point, Slate is betting that a segment of the market prefers a simple, functional vehicle they can personalize over time.
This strategy places Slate in direct contrast to competitors like the upcoming Ford Fathom, which is expected to start at $30,000 and feature a fully modern, software-defined experience with central touchscreens and powered windows. Whether the "unburdensome" philosophy resonates with mainstream buyers remains to be seen, but it offers a unique, affordable option in a car market that has steadily climbed in price.
The Bottom Line
Slate Auto’s electric pickup aims to disrupt the market with a low-cost, highly customizable, and deliberately basic design. James May’s pre-launch assessment suggests the vehicle delivers on its promise of simplicity and ease of use, though its limited range and lack of standard modern amenities will likely appeal to a specific subset of buyers.
