Slate Auto is preparing for a moment that will reveal just how strong the interest in its electric vehicle really is. On June 24, the startup will announce the price of the model and begin collecting non-refundable pre-orders of $300 (about 21,000 rubles).
Previously, buyers could place a refundable $50 (about 3,600 rubles) deposit. This secured an earlier delivery slot without obligating them to purchase. According to TechCrunch, the response was strong: over 160,000 people placed these reservations after the unveiling.
The big question is the price. Slate initially pitched a simple EV costing less than $20,000 with the $7,500 federal tax credit factored in. After that credit was scrapped, the company turned more cautious, now citing a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range. That's a whole different psychological threshold—the car is still affordable for an EV, but it no longer has the same wow factor.
Slate's concept is all about extreme simplicity. The EV will come with manual windows, an unpainted body, and very few options. But it can be transformed from a two-seat pickup into a five-seat SUV—for a fee. This approach appeals to buyers fed up with pricey screens, option packages, and so-called 'must-have' features.
The project has deep pockets and high-profile backers. Early investors reportedly include Jeff Bezos, and Slate Auto has raised around $1.4 billion overall, including a $650 million Series C. In March, Peter Faricy—a former Amazon Marketplace VP—took the helm.
On June 24, Slate must prove that its 'affordable EV' isn't just a catchy pitch. The $50 reservations indicated curiosity; the non-refundable deposit will reveal real buyer commitment.