Slate opens first showroom for its $25,000 electric pickup truck in Chicago
The electric vehicle maker launched its first customer experience center in Chicago, allowing buyers to inspect a prototype and place deposits.
Key points
- Slate opened its first showroom in Chicago's Fulton Market District on October 15.
- The Slate Truck is priced at $24,950 and features manual window controls and plastic panels.
- Customers can pre-order the vehicle with a $300 deposit at the new location.
Slate opened its first dedicated showroom in Chicago on October 15, marking a significant step toward mass production for its affordable electric pickup truck. Located in the Fulton Market District, the center allows prospective buyers to inspect a prototype vehicle and place pre-orders.
The Slate Experience Center occupies a former Tesla store and is staffed by former Tesla employees, according to Ars Technica. Visitors can view customization options, purchase merchandise, and pre-order the Slate Truck with a $300 deposit. The facility serves as a physical touchpoint for a brand that has previously relied on online engagement.
Showroom Details and Vehicle Features
The showroom features an industrial design aesthetic and displays a single black prototype truck in the center of the floor. This specific vehicle is a hand-built, older prototype covered in a black wrap, rather than a production-ready model. The base color for the actual Slate Truck is gray, meaning the display unit does not reflect the final exterior finish.
Ars Technica reported that only one truck was on display during their visit, preventing direct comparison of build quality between multiple units. The prototype features plastic exterior panels and a minimalist interior design. Notably, the vehicle retains manual window winders, a feature that contrasts with the automated systems found in many modern electric vehicles.
The Slate Truck is priced at $24,950, positioning it as one of the most affordable new electric pickup trucks on the market. The manufacturer projects a driving range of 205 miles for the vehicle. The design philosophy emphasizes bare-bones functionality over luxury amenities, appealing to consumers seeking a utilitarian electric vehicle.
Customer Response and Availability
Steve Purdy, Manager of Customer Experience at Slate, stated that customer interest has been strong since the showroom's opening. The center launched with a three-day event that included ride-along opportunities for visitors. Purdy described the response as "incredible," though he declined to provide specific sales figures or deposit counts.
He confirmed that the company is pleased with the number of $300 deposits received since October 15. During a Monday morning visit, Ars Technica observed three customers in the showroom, with another entering as the reporter left. One customer was seen examining the truck closely and asking Purdy detailed questions about the vehicle's specifications.
The showroom operates as a place for would-be buyers to poke around the prototype and engage with the brand directly. While the facility offers a tangible experience, the lack of multiple production models limits the ability for customers to assess consistency in manufacturing quality.
What should you do?
Prospective buyers interested in the Slate Truck should visit the Chicago showroom to inspect the prototype firsthand. Those unable to travel may need to wait for further production updates or additional showroom locations.
What to do and how to stay safe: Slate
- Visit the Slate Experience Center in Chicago to view the prototype and discuss customization options.
- Review the $300 deposit requirements and terms before committing to a pre-order.
- Monitor official Slate announcements for updates on production timelines and vehicle availability.
- Compare the Slate Truck's specifications with other affordable electric vehicles on the market.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Slate's first showroom located?
The first Slate Experience Center is located in the Fulton Market District, just northwest of the Chicago Loop.
How much does the Slate Truck cost?
The Slate Truck retails for $24,950, with a projected range of 205 miles.
Can I test drive the truck at the showroom?
The showroom allows visitors to sit in the cab and inspect the prototype, but only one non-production vehicle is on display.
