Slate EV Truck Reservations Top 150,000 Amidst Declining Interest

Slate Auto's Growing Reservation Numbers

Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup with backing from Jeff Bezos, has surpassed 150,000 refundable reservations for its forthcoming affordable EV, slated for release in late 2026.

This figure was revealed in a recent Q&A session featuring CEO Chris Barman. She addressed inquiries from reservation holders, covering topics such as the absence of self-driving capabilities and the compatibility of car seats with the optional rear seating.

Reservations as an Indicator

While reservation numbers offer a degree of insight into consumer interest in a new vehicle, they shouldn't be considered a definitive predictor of success. Numerous EV companies have previously publicized substantial reservation figures, only to subsequently face bankruptcy.

These failures often stemmed from difficulties in scaling up production or challenges in bringing vehicles to market readiness.

Slate's Progress and Production Goals

For Slate, the continued growth in reservations is encouraging, indicating that new commitments are outpacing any cancellations. The company initially reached 100,000 reservations in May, shortly after its public debut.

It subsequently took approximately seven months to increase the total by an additional 50,000 units. Slate intends to manufacture 150,000 EVs annually at its refurbished facility in Warsaw, Indiana, necessitating a significant expansion of its customer base to achieve market success.

The Broader Electric Truck Landscape

Sustained enthusiasm for Slate’s EV is particularly noteworthy given the current challenges within the electric truck sector. Recently, Ford announced the discontinuation of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, a pioneering battery-powered pickup in the U.S.

This model is being superseded by a version incorporating a gas generator. Ford cited insufficient profitability as the primary reason for ending Lightning production, compounded by limited quarterly sales volumes.

Sales figures for other electric trucks, including Tesla’s Cybertruck and General Motors’ Silverado EV, have also remained below expectations.

Slate's Unique Approach

The Ford Lightning represented a somewhat complex integration of EV technology into a traditionally gasoline-powered vehicle design. In contrast, Slate’s truck has been conceived from the outset as an electric vehicle.

The company is prioritizing a price point in the mid-$20,000 range. The reduction in competing offerings from companies like Ford could potentially create opportunities for Slate to establish itself early on.

However, this advantage may be temporary, as Ford is planning to introduce a more competitive low-cost EV in 2027.