Slate Auto will announce pricing and take preorders for its EV on June 24

Slate Auto, the innovative electric vehicle startup with backing from notable figures like Jeff Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, is gearing up to announce its pricing and begin accepting non-refundable preorders for its budget-friendly electric vehicle on June 24. Prospective buyers received emails on Thursday urging them to secure a $50 reservation now, ahead of the $300 preorder phase that kicks off next month, promising them a delivery window that precedes those who do not reserve. The startup previously indicated that it would unveil pricing details in June. An FAQ section of their newly launched preorder page confirmed this announcement date. Despite attempts to reach out for further comment, Slate has not responded. Emerging from stealth mode in April 2025, after TechCrunch uncovered its plans for a no-frills, customizable vehicle, Slate had initially declared that its base model would be priced at “under $20,000,” factoring in a now-defunct $7,500 federal tax credit. Currently, the company has only hinted that the vehicle's starting price will be in the mid-$20,000 range. The concept of a straightforward EV, featuring hand-crank windows and minimalistic design, has struck a chord with consumers, with over 160,000 individuals making refundable $50 reservations since the vehicle's announcement last year. However, as demonstrated by numerous EV startups over the past decade, converting these reservations into actual sales can be challenging. To address this hurdle, Slate appointed former Amazon Marketplace vice president Peter Faricy as its new CEO in March, reflecting a trend of recruiting ex-Amazon executives into leadership roles. In April, Slate also announced the successful closure of a $650 million Series C funding round, bringing its total capital raised to approximately $1.4 billion, largely thanks to investments from Walter’s financial firm, TWG Global. While Bezos played a role in the initial funding, his ongoing involvement in subsequent rounds remains unclear. Recent reports indicated changes in Slate's board, including the departure of Bezos’ family office manager. As the June 24 date approaches, all eyes will be on Slate Auto to see how their pricing strategy unfolds and whether they can turn their substantial interest into thriving sales.