Slate Auto Drops Sub-$20K Price Pitch After EV Tax Credit Ends
Jeff Bezos-backed electric vehicle startup Slate Auto has quietly taken down its promise of an electric pickup truck for less than $20,000 from its website. This change comes after the Trump administration passed a new tax cut bill that will end the federal EV tax credit, which was a big reason why the prices were so low
EV Tax Credit Set to Expire in September
The federal electric vehicle tax credit of $7,500 will end in September. The bill is likely to be signed into law by President Trump on July 4. Slate Auto had said that the price was under $20,000 because they thought that buyers would get the full tax credit. According to the Web Archive, this price was still on the company’s website as recently as yesterday.
Since it started in April, Slate Auto has been a game changer in the electric vehicle market. The company’s main goal was to make electric vehicles that were cheap and could be changed. Jeremy Snyder, the Chief Commercial Officer, said at the launch event, “The auto industry has pushed prices to a level that most Americans can’t afford.” But we’re here to make that happen.
With the tax credit ending, Slate Auto faces pressure to adjust its pricing strategy. The base price of the vehicle — without federal incentives — has not been announced. Company officials declined to comment on the pricing change. Production is expected to begin in late 2026, so the actual cost for customers remains uncertain.
Slate Auto’s pickup truck will feature modular components and a wide range of customization options. While this flexibility may attract buyers, it could also make the cheapest base model less appealing or unlikely to launch. The removal of the under-$20K claim raises doubts about whether the company can still deliver on its affordability promise.
What’s Next for Slate Auto?
Without the headline-grabbing price tag, Slate Auto must find new ways to maintain its momentum. The startup’s ability to stay competitive will depend on how it adjusts to the policy change — and whether it can offer real value to budget-conscious customers in a shifting EV market.
