AssetID: 54687639
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Jeff Bezos Challenges Rival Elon Musk By Unveiling $20,000 Slate Electric Truck
Caption: Jeff Bezos' mysterious electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, Slate, has unveiled its first model a stripped-back pick-up truck that will sell for just $20,000 (£15,000) after local EV incentives. Named simply 'Truck', the two-seat, rear-wheel-drive pick-up is designed to bring affordable electric motoring to the masses, targeting those overlooked by the conventional car industry. It is a stark contrast to Bezos' tech mogul rival Elon Musk's much maligned Cybertruck - which has a base price of $72,235 (£54,400) and has attracted criticism for its odd looks. “The definition of what's a9ordable is broken,” said Slate CEO Chris Barman. “Slate exists to put the power back in the hands of customers who have been ignored by the auto industry.” Available initially only in the United States, the Truck is set to enter production late next year, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2026. The base version will cost around $27,000 (£20,000) , a price that will drop to just $20,000 after local incentives. Slate's radical modular concept means the vehicle can be reconfigured into a five-seat SUV or even a fastback crossover via bolt-on kits for the 1,047-litre load bay, supplied by the manufacturer itself. Power comes from a single motor on the rear axle, delivering 201bhp and 195lb ft of torque – enough for a 0-60mph time of eight seconds and a top speed of 90mph. Two battery options are available: a 52.7kWh unit offering 150 miles of range, or a larger 84.3kWh pack claiming up to 240 miles.
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