AssetID: 54686890
Headline: RAW VIDEO: 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. Slate is a radical truck platform so customizable that it can transform from a 2- seat pickup to a 5-seat SUV.” 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, and Slate is already taking reservations with a fully refundable deposit of just $50 (£37.60). Aimed squarely at utility and practicality, the Truck features a monolithic, composite-panelled design devoid of unnecessary chrome or ornamentation. Manual window winders, HVAC knobs, and a universal smartphone mount replace the usual touchscreen. While the standard specification includes cruise control, central locking and a USB port, buyers can opt to add speakers and over 100 accessories. 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. Both can fast-charge from 20% to 100% in under half an hour using the standard NACS charging port. The vehicle is also designed for safety, with active emergency braking, forward collision warning, and up to eight airbags. Slate's manufacturing facility, located in the American Midwest, ensures the Truck avoids recently introduced 25% tariffs on imported electric vehicles. However, the exact location remains undisclosed.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,jeff bezos,elon musk,electric vehicles,ev,motoring,truck,slate
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