Slate is betting Americans want less car for less money

Slate, apoyada por Jeff Bezos, is betting that Americans want smaller vehicles at lower prices, pursuing a tiny electric pickup aimed at buyers who avoid large trucks and high monthly payments. The startup told Business Insider that the electric truck will start at $24,950. Slate’s concept emphasizes fewer amenities: it measures 14.6 feet bumper to bumper, roughly a foot shorter than a ’90s Ford Ranger and about three feet shorter than the 2026 Ford Ranger. The base model is described as having manual crank windows, two doors and two seats, no infotainment screen, and no speakers. Air conditioning was debated and is expected in the production vehicle, while climate and controls remain analog rather than touchscreen-based. Despite the low-price focus, CarGurus data shared with Business Insider shows new-vehicle transaction prices averaged $50,900 this spring, up 3.3% since December, with more vehicles priced above $50,000 than below $35,000 on dealer lots.