Slate Auto, a competitor to Tesla, has announced that it currently has 150,000 reservations for its low-cost electric truck, marking a 50% increase since this summer. CEO Chris Barman shared this update during an “ask me anything” session, noting that while the figure does not constitute an overwhelming response, it does indicate that new reservations exceed cancellations.
Despite a general decline in interest for electric vehicles (EVs) following the conclusion of the federal government’s $7,500 tax credit, Slate’s affordability seems to have maintained customer engagement. “The Slate is still affordable,” Barman emphasized, reinforcing the truck’s competitive mid-$20,000 price, which she insists remains stable regardless of tax incentives.
Additionally, Barman revealed that an SUV kit for the vehicle will be available for $5,000, and prospective buyers can look forward to test drives starting next year. This proactive approach by Slate aligns with current trends, as traditional automakers are scaling back their EV production, thereby opening the door for dedicated electric vehicle manufacturers like Slate and Tesla to capture a larger market share.
The optimism surrounding Slate’s growing reservations hints at a gradual shift in the EV landscape, showcasing the potential for new entrants to thrive even as older models face challenges in an evolving market.