Automotive
Slate Auto’s $20K EV Truck Dream Collapses Under Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”
Slate Auto’s sub-$20K electric pickup is no more—Trump’s new bill kills the EV tax credit that made the price possible.
Last Updated on July 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Image Credit: Slate Auto
The Affordable EV Dream, Derailed
Slate Auto made waves in early 2025 by announcing an electric pickup truck with a revolutionary promise: a starting price under $20,000. With a minimalist, modular design and direct-to-consumer sales model, the company hoped to disrupt the industry by delivering a rugged, no-frills EV that everyday drivers could actually afford.
But that promise may now be broken.
In July 2025, the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” from President Donald Trump eliminated the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, a cornerstone of Slate’s pricing model. And as of now, Slate has quietly removed its sub-$20K price claims, signaling a dramatic shift in its market positioning.
What Was the Original Plan?
Slate Auto’s vision was simple:
Base price of the pickup: ~$25,000 Subtract $7,500 tax credit → final cost: $17,500 Optional bolt-on accessories and upgrades for customization
This formula positioned the Slate truck as a compelling solution for tradespeople, students, rural drivers, and eco-conscious buyers seeking low-cost alternatives to gas trucks.
What Changed?
The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in July 2025, includes a provision that eliminates all federal EV tax credits starting September 30, 2025. That means:
No more $7,500 off at the point of sale Budget EVs like Slate’s are left to float—or sink—on their true retail pricing EV industry analysts warn of broader slowdowns in adoption
For Slate, it means their truck is no longer “America’s first under-$20K EV pickup.” Instead, the expected price now ranges from $25,000 to $27,500, and could rise to $35K with add-ons—putting it closer to competitors like the Ford Maverick Hybrid and Chevy Equinox EV.
The Fallout
This change hits hard for Slate, which built its brand on simplicity and accessibility. Without the tax credit:
Entry-level customers are priced out Preorder holders may cancel based on unexpected price hikes Market differentiation is weakened, as affordability was Slate’s primary value proposition
Meanwhile, critics argue the rollback of tax credits slows EV adoption at a critical time in the climate fight. Environmental groups and consumer advocates are already pushing back, saying the bill disproportionately hurts low- and middle-income Americans who were just beginning to consider electric vehicles.
What’s Next for Slate?
Slate says it still plans to begin production in late 2026, but without the EV credit, it must rework its pricing strategy and value offering. Possibilities include:
Offering fewer standard features Creating stripped-down fleet or worksite models Lobbying for state-level incentives to offset federal losses
Whether these changes will be enough to keep Slate competitive remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
The electric vehicle space is undergoing seismic shifts, and the demise of the federal EV tax credit is likely to create ripple effects across the industry. For Slate Auto, the dream of a sub-$20K EV pickup may be over—but if they can pivot wisely, the company could still carve out a niche in the fast-evolving electric truck market.
Visit Slate Auto: https://www.slate.auto/en
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Consumer Corner
America is falling behind in the global EV race – that’s going to cost the US auto industry
Hengrui Liu, Tufts University and Kelly Sims Gallagher, Tufts University
At the 2026 Detroit Auto Show, the spotlight quietly shifted. Electric vehicles, once framed as the inevitable future of the industry, were no longer the centerpiece. Instead, automakers emphasized hybrids, updated gasoline models and incremental efficiency improvements.
The show, held in January, reflected an industry recalibration happening in real time: Ford and General Motors had recently announced US$19.5 billion and $6 billion in EV-related write-downs, respectively, reflecting the losses they expect as they unwind or delay parts of their electric vehicle plans.
The message from Detroit was unmistakable: The United States is pulling back from a transition that much of the world is accelerating. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VPMEgNAY60o?wmode=transparent&start=0 Highlights from the Detroit Auto Show, starting with V-8 trucks, by the Detroit Free Press’ auto writer.
That retreat carries consequences far beyond showroom floors.
In China, Europe and a growing number of emerging markets, including Vietnam and Indonesia, electric vehicles now make up a higher share of new passenger vehicle sales than in the United States.
That means the U.S. pullback on EV production is not simply a climate problem – gasoline-powered vehicles are a major contributor to climate change – it is also an industrial competitiveness problem, with direct implications for the future of U.S. automakers, suppliers and autoworkers. Slower EV production and slower adoption in the U.S. can keep prices higher, delay improvements in batteries and software, and increase the risk that the next generation of automotive value creation will happen elsewhere.
Where EVs are taking over
In 2025, global EV registrations rose 20% to 20.7 million. Analysts with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported that China reached 12.9 million EV registrations, up 17% from the previous year; Europe recorded 4.3 million, up 33%; and the rest of the world added 1.7 million, up 48%.
By contrast, U.S. EV sales growth was essentially flat in 2025, at about 1%. U.S. automaker Tesla experienced declines in both scale and profitability – its vehicle deliveries fell 9% compared to 2024, the company’s net profit was down 46%, and CEO Elon Musk said it would put more of its focus on artificial intelligence and robotics.
Market share tells a similar story and also challenges the assumption that vehicle electrification would take time to expand from wealthy countries to emerging markets.
In 39 countries, EVs now exceed 10% of new car sales, including in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, which reached 38%, 21% and 15%, respectively, in 2025, energy analysts at Ember report.
In the U.S., EVs accounted for less than 10% of new vehicle sales, by Ember’s estimates.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yDCZF/3
U.S. President Donald Trump came back into office in 2025 promising to end policies that supported EV production and sales and boost fossil fuels. But while the U.S. was curtailing federal consumer incentives, governments elsewhere largely continued a transition to electric vehicles.
Europe softened its goal for all vehicles to have zero emissions by 2035 at the urging of automakers, but its new target is still a 90% cut in automobiles’ carbon dioxide emissions by 2035.
Germany launched a program offering subsidies worth 1,500 to 6,000 euros per electric vehicle, aimed at small- and medium-income households.
In developing economies, EV policy has largely been sustained through industrial policies. In Brazil, the MOVER program offers tax credits explicitly linked to domestic EV production, research and development, and efficiency targets. South Africa is introducing a 150% investment allowance for EV and battery manufacturing, giving them a tax break starting in March 2026. Thailand has implemented subsidies and reduced excise tax tied to mandatory local production and export commitments.
In China, the EV industry has entered a phase of regulatory maturity. After a decade of subsidies and state-led investment that helped domestic firms undercut global competitors, the government’s focus is no longer on explosive growth at home.
With their domestic market saturated and competition fierce, Chinese automakers are pushing aggressively into global markets. Beijing has reinforced this shift by ending its full tax exemption for EV purchases and replacing it with a tapered 5% tax on EV buyers.
Consequences for US automakers
EV manufacturing is governed by steep learning curves and scale economies, meaning the more vehicles a company builds, the better it gets at making them faster and cheaper. Low domestic production and sales can mean higher costs for parts and weaker bargaining power for automakers in global supply chains.
The competitive landscape is already changing. In 2025, China exported 2.65 million EVs, doubling its 2024 exports, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. And BYD surpassed Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker in 2025.
https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/erFIJ/1
The U.S. risks becoming a follower in the industry it once defined.
Some people argue that American consumers simply prefer trucks and hybrids. Others point to Chinese subsidies and overcapacity as distortions that justify U.S. industry caution. These concerns deserve consideration, but they do not outweigh the fundamental fact that, globally, the EV share of auto sales continues to rise.
What can the US do?
For U.S. automakers and workers to compete in this market, the government, in our view, will have to stop treating EVs as an ideological matter and start governing it like an industrial transition.
That starts with restoring regulatory credibility, something that seems unlikely right now as the Trump administration moves to roll back vehicle emissions standards. Performance standards are the quiet engine of industrial investment. When standards are predictable and enforced, manufacturers can plan, suppliers can invest in new businesses, and workers can train for reliable demand.
Governments at state and local levels and industry can also take important steps.
Focus on affordability and equity: The federal clean-vehicle tax credit that effectively gave EV buyers a discount expired in September 2025. An alternative is targeted, point-of-sale support for lower- and middle-income buyers. By moving away from blanket credits in favor of targeted incentives – a model already used in California and Pennsylvania – governments can ensure public funds are directed toward people who are currently priced out of the EV market. Additionally, interest-rate buydowns that allow buyers to reduce their loan payments and “green loan” programs can help, typically funded through state and local governments, utility companies or federal grants.
Keep building out the charging network: A federal judge ruled on Jan. 23, 2026, that the Trump administration violated the law when it suspended a $5 billion program for expanding the nation’s EV charger network. That expansion effort can be improved by shifting the focus from the number of ports installed to the number of working chargers, as California did in 2025. Enforcing reliability and clearing bottlenecks, such as electricity connections and payment systems, could help boost the number of functioning sites.
Use fleet procurement as a stabilizer for U.S. sales: When states, cities and companies provide a predictable volume of vehicle purchases, that helps manufacturers plan future investments. For example, Amazon’s 2019 order of 100,000 Rivian electric delivery vehicles to be delivered over the following decade gave the startup automaker the boost it needed.
Treat workforce transition as core infrastructure: This means giving workers skills they can carry from job to job, helping suppliers retool instead of shutting down, and coordinating training with employers’ needs. Done right, these investments turn economic change into a source of stable jobs and broad public support. Done poorly, they risk a political backlash.
The scene at the Detroit Auto Show should be a warning, not a verdict. The global auto industry is accelerating its EV transition. The question for the United States is whether it will shape that future – and ensure the technologies and jobs of the next automotive era are in the U.S. – or import it.
Hengrui Liu, Postdoctoral Scholar in Economics and Public Policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University and Kelly Sims Gallagher, Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy, Director of the Climate Policy Lab and Center for International Environment and Resource Policy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Automotive
Slate Truck Update: Affordable EV Pickup Moves Closer to Production With $24,950 Price Tag
Slate Truck officially reveals a $24,950 price, improved 205-mile range, and production updates. See how Jay Leno’s test drive highlighted the customizable affordable EV pickup.
Last Updated on June 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
The race to bring affordable electric vehicles to American drivers is heating up, and one startup continues to attract major attention: Slate Auto’s compact electric pickup truck.
Since its debut, the Slate Truck has positioned itself as a different kind of EV — one focused less on luxury technology and more on affordability, simplicity, and customization. The company recently revealed important updates, including official pricing, improved range estimates, and the opening of preorders as it moves closer to production. 
Slate Truck Officially Priced at $24,950
When Slate Auto first introduced the truck, the company gained headlines by suggesting an electric pickup could eventually cost under $20,000 after incentives.
That original target has changed, but Slate says the mission remains the same: build a practical electric vehicle at a price point accessible to more consumers.
The base Slate Truck will start at $24,950 before taxes, fees, and optional equipment. The company is also offering SUV conversion options starting around the $30,000 range.
While it is no longer a sub-$20,000 vehicle, the Slate Truck could still become one of the most affordable new EVs available in the United States.
More Range Than Originally Expected
One of the biggest technical updates is the truck’s improved estimated range.
Early versions of the Slate Truck were expected to offer around 150 miles of range. The company has now increased that estimate to approximately 205 miles using a 63-kWh LFP battery pack.
The truck is expected to feature:
- Rear-wheel-drive electric motor
- Around 181 horsepower
- Approximately 1,550-pound payload capacity
- Around 2,000-pound towing capability
- NACS charging connector for Tesla Supercharger access
Jay Leno Takes the Slate Truck for a Drive
The Slate Truck gained additional attention after appearing on Jay Leno’s Garage, where longtime automotive enthusiast Jay Leno tested a prototype version of the vehicle.
The episode gave viewers a closer look at Slate’s unusual approach: instead of building a luxury EV loaded with expensive features, the company created a simple platform that owners can customize over time.
The truck’s philosophy includes:
- Easy-to-repair design
- Replaceable body panels
- DIY-friendly customization
- Accessories that allow owners to personalize the vehicle after purchase
The concept is closer to an automotive “blank canvas” than a traditional factory-built vehicle.
Built Around Customization
Slate’s strategy is different from most automakers. Instead of offering dozens of factory trims, the company plans to sell a basic vehicle and let owners add features later.
Planned upgrades include:
- Interior improvements
- Audio systems
- Roof racks
- Exterior accessories
- Wrap options
- Pickup-to-SUV conversion kits
Slate says it plans to offer more than 175 accessories, allowing owners to build a vehicle based on their needs and budget.
Production Plans Remain on Track
Slate continues preparing for production at its Indiana manufacturing facility.
The company has raised additional funding, including a reported $650 million funding round, bringing total funding to approximately $1.4 billion. The money is intended to support factory development and production preparation.
Current plans:
- Production start: Late 2026
- Initial deliveries: Expected toward the end of 2026
- Larger production ramp: Expected in 2027
Can Slate Change the EV Market?
The Slate Truck represents a different idea about what an electric vehicle should be.
Instead of competing with premium models like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, Slate is targeting drivers who want something affordable, practical, and easy to personalize.
The biggest challenge now is turning strong consumer interest into actual vehicles on the road.
With tens of thousands of reservations and growing attention from automotive media, Slate has created something rare in today’s auto industry: excitement around a vehicle designed around affordability.
The next major test will be production.
Related STM Daily News Coverage
- Electric Vehicle Innovation and Transportation Updates
- Automotive Industry News and Consumer Trends
- The Future of Transportation Technology
Further Reading
- Slate Auto Official Website
https://www.slate.auto - Jay Leno’s Garage: Slate Truck First Drive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6_9_HHLOSY - TechCrunch: Slate Auto Updates and Production Plans
- Cars.com: Slate Truck Pricing and Specs
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(Family Features) Graduation is an exciting time, but it also means new responsibilities.
“Graduates are stepping into a world filled with opportunities and uncertainties,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding your insurance needs is a crucial step in protecting your future.”
If, like many recent grads, you’ve been on your parents’ auto insurance and now need your own, consider these simple steps from Mercury Insurance to help you get the coverage you need.
1. Review Your Current Coverage
As a starting point, talk to your parents and their insurance agent to understand what coverage you currently have.
“Knowing what coverage you’ve had under your parents’ policy helps you understand what protections you might need going forward,” Quinn said.
2. Decide on Your Coverage
Understanding the different types of coverage available ensures you choose the right protection for your vehicle and situation. Different types of coverage include:
- Liability: Covers damage you cause to others.
- Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
- Comprehensive: Covers non-accident damage (like theft or weather).
3. Check State Requirements
Every state has different auto insurance laws. Look up the minimum coverage requirements for your state or ask an agent to explain them.
4. Get Quotes
Shopping around is essential. Contact multiple insurance companies to get quotes. Different companies offer various rates and discounts, so take the time to compare prices and coverage options to find the best deal. For example, you can obtain a quote from Mercury Insurance online.
Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, good grades or combining policies. Be sure to ask about lower rates and potential savings for:
- Good driving record
- Completing driver education courses
- Bundling with other insurance policies
5. Review and Choose
Look over the quotes and coverage options. Select a policy that provides adequate coverage without stretching your budget too thin.
6. Set Up Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen a policy, work with the insurance company to set it up. For example, Mercury Insurance has a team of agents ready to help make this process as seamless and easy as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid surprises later on and contact an agent if you have any questions.
For more information, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local agent.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowl
