A Michigan startup backed by Jeff Bezos is challenging the luxury EV market with a no-frills approach that’s capturing nationwide attention

When most people think of electric vehicles, images of Tesla’s sleek Model S or Ford’s high-tech Lightning come to mind – along with their premium price tags. But Slate Auto, a Troy, Michigan-based startup, is taking a radically different approach that’s got 100,000 Americans reaching for their wallets.

The Anti-Luxury EV

Slate’s electric pickup truck starts at just $25,000 to $27,500, making it one of the most affordable EVs ever announced. But here’s the catch – and the genius – behind their strategy: they’re stripping away everything that typically drives up EV costs.

No paint. No stereo system. No touchscreens. Not even power windows.

“We’re building the truck that America actually needs, not the one Silicon Valley thinks we want,” the company’s approach suggests, though they let their product speak for itself.

Backed by Billions, Built for the Masses

Despite its bare-bones approach, Slate Auto isn’t a garage startup. The company has secured approximately $700 million in funding from heavyweights investors including Jeff Bezos, Mark Walter, and Thomas Tull. This financial backing gives them the resources to challenge established automakers while maintaining their commitment to affordability.

The company plans to manufacture their trucks at a former Donnelly factory in Warsaw, Indiana, with production expected to begin in late 2026.

Market Response: 100,000 and Counting

Within just two weeks of opening reservations, Slate collected 100,000 orders at $50 each – generating $5 million in immediate revenue and demonstrating significant pent-up demand for affordable electric vehicles.

This response suggests that while the automotive industry has been focused on premium EVs loaded with features, there’s a massive market of consumers who simply want reliable, affordable electric transportation.

The Customization Philosophy

Slate’s minimalist approach isn’t just about cost-cutting – it’s about empowerment. By delivering a basic platform, they’re enabling customers to customize their trucks according to their specific needs and budgets. Want paint? Add it yourself or have it done locally. Need a sound system? Install exactly what you want.

This philosophy extends the vehicle’s lifecycle, as second and third owners can continue customizing and upgrading, potentially increasing long-term customer satisfaction and resale value.

What This Means for the EV Market

Slate Auto’s approach represents a fundamental shift in EV strategy. While competitors race to add more features, screens, and luxury appointments, Slate is proving that sometimes less really is more.

For communities like Phoenix, where transportation costs significantly impact family budgets, a $25,000 electric truck could be transformative. Small businesses, contractors, and everyday families who’ve been priced out of the EV market suddenly have an entry point.

Slate Auto: Looking Ahead

As Slate moves toward their 2026 production timeline, they face the typical challenges of any automotive startup: scaling manufacturing, maintaining quality, and delivering on promises. However, their reservation numbers suggest they’ve identified a genuine market need that established automakers have overlooked.

The success or failure of Slate’s minimalist approach could reshape how the entire industry thinks about electric vehicles. Are consumers really demanding luxury features, or do they just want affordable, reliable electric transportation?

We’ll be following Slate Auto’s progress closely as they work toward production, bringing you updates on this potentially game-changing approach to electric vehicles.—STM Daily News will continue covering Slate Auto’s development and the broader evolution of affordable electric vehicles. Have thoughts on Slate’s approach? We’d love to hear from our readers about what features matter most in an electric vehicle.

Source: Slate Auto

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7 summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners

(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool. Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer. 1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job. Maintenance checklist:

• Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
• Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
• Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.

2. Install and Use a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s Smart Thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone and comes with learning features that adapt to your schedule and preferences. Set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool the home down just before you return. Even raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs. 3. Seal and Insulate Your Home Cool air escaping through leaks or inadequate insulation forces your air conditioner to work harder. Ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly can significantly improve efficiency. Quick fixes:

• Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
• Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely Ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature, but they help circulate air, making you feel cooler. Efficiency tip: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only and make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. 5. Block Out the Sun Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home’s indoor temperature. Simple solutions:

• Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
• Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
• Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit If your AC system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. As a leader in modern day air conditioning, Carrier offers some of the most innovative and efficient central air conditioning units available. Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency systems and some tax credits may still be available. 7. Avoid Heat Buildup Reduce the amount of heat your home generates during the day by being mindful of appliance usage. Tips:

• Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
• Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.

By combining smart technology, routine maintenance and simple home adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home without sacrificing energy efficiency. You can help lower monthly bills but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable all summer long. Find more information, including additional rebate information, by visiting Carrier.com.   SOURCE: Carrier

(Family Features) Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. This step-by-step guide can help walk you through the process. 1. Gather Essential Tools and Materials Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials, including:

• oil filter wrench
• drain pan
• funnel
• oil (refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended type and amount)
• oil filter
• wrench to remove the drain plug
• rags and gloves
• jack or jack stands

2. Prep Your Vehicle Park your vehicle on a flat, stable surface and engage the parking brake. For better access, use a jack and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the engine is cool to avoid burns from hot oil. Open the hood and locate the oil cap to help the oil drain more smoothly. Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug to catch the old oil. 3. Drain the Old Oil Using a wrench, carefully loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Allow the old oil to drain completely. Once the oil has stopped flowing, clean the plug and the area around it. Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely but avoid overtightening. 4. Replace the Oil Filter Locate the oil filter underneath your vehicle and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Be prepared for some oil to spill out. Place the filter in the drain pan for disposal. Before installing the new filter, apply a small amount of new oil to the gasket to create a better seal and make it easier to remove during the next oil change. Screw the new filter into place by hand, making sure it’s snug but not overly tight. 5. Add New Oil Place a funnel into the oil hole and pour the recommended amount of oil into the engine. After adding the oil, replace the cap and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes then turn it off and wait a couple of minutes. 6. Final Checks Check the oil level using the dipstick and add more oil if necessary. Also inspect the area under the vehicle for any leaks. Dispose of the old oil and filter properly. Find more car maintenance advice at eLivingtoday.com.   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock   SOURCE: eLivingtoday.com