Blank Slate Racks Up More Than 100k Reservations

In just over two weeks since it was unveiled, the no frills $20,000 Blank Slate electric pickup has caught the attention of buyers.

Credit: Slate Auto

OGN has featured the new pickup a couple of times because it's likely to revolutionise the EV market - both in terms of price and choice. OGN noted when a prototype was captured on camera on a trailer in Los Angeles, and then when this innovative new modular vehicle was launched.

Now we learn about the deposits. You may very well attribute the 100k reservations to the modest US$50 refundable deposit, but it could be the start of a price-point revolution in the US. In a market crowded with major players like Rivian and Tesla - and we all know how expensive they are - Slate has carved out a niche for itself with a highly configurable, highly affordable pickup. Thanks to its modular architecture, the vehicle can be transformed from a pickup into an SUV or hatchback. And let’s not forget the sub-$20,000 price tag.

The company aims to start production in late 2026, with the goal of manufacturing more than 150,000 units by the end of 2027, reports TechCrunch. And, because of it configurability, it's taking on virtually every other pickup on the market ... and SUVs ... and hatchbacks.

The base model comes as a two-seat pickup. Buyers can then choose from a range of modular add-ons, including rear seats, upgraded infotainment systems, and reinforced bumpers. With these additions, the vehicle transforms from a two-seater to a four- or five-seat SUV. Slate’s tagline, “We Built It. You Make It,” neatly sums up the brand’s ethos.