Electric car economic revolution: Bezos funds a $25K EV with retro design and high customization, set to hit U.S. roads in 2026
A low-cost electric car priced at $25,000 might soon hit the U.S. market – and Jeff Bezos could be behind it. The Amazon founder is reportedly investing in Slate Auto, a startup aiming to disrupt the EV industry with an affordable and customizable electric pickup.
According to TechCrunch, the company was founded in 2022 and has already hired dozens of engineers and designers from legacy automakers including Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and Harley-Davidson. Their first project? A two-seater electric pickup truck with a bold starting price of $25,000.
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Inspired by Ford and Volkswagen icons
Slate’s approach draws inspiration from classic models like the Ford Model T and the Volkswagen Beetle. The vehicle is expected to go into production in 2026 at a facility in Indianapolis. It’s still unclear whether Slate Auto has acquired an existing plant or built a new one from scratch.
While Bezos’s direct involvement with Slate remains unconfirmed, he has invested in more than 30 companies, making it plausible he is backing this venture into electric mobility.
Targeting Tesla from the bottom up
Unlike Elon Musk’s Tesla, which started with high-end vehicles before introducing more accessible models, Slate Auto is flipping the strategy. Its goal is to make the electric car economic category the entry point for drivers switching from internal combustion to electric for the first time.
Affordability is key, but so is flexibility. Reports suggest the EV will be highly customizable, even after purchase. The company’s trademarked slogan captures the spirit: We built it. You make it.
Leaked photo sparks speculation
Following the TechCrunch report, a photo of a gray pickup truck spotted in Los Angeles surfaced on Reddit. Many believe the vehicle is Slate’s prototype. It features minimalist headlights, rugged side mirrors, and a retro-styled body – all in a compact frame.
If Bezos is indeed behind Slate Auto, this move could mark a major shift in the electric car economic landscape. With affordability and personalization at its core, Slate might just redefine what entry-level EVs look like.
More details are expected to be revealed on April 23.
