Slate Auto's high-roof kit for EV pickup
Slate Auto's Fleet Business Development Lead confirmed a high-roof cargo topper for its $25,000 compact electric pickup.
Slate Auto has confirmed plans for a high-roof cargo topper for its upcoming compact electric pickup truck. The company's Fleet Business Development and Government Sales Lead, Christian Kreipke, reportedly shared the details at a brand event in Portland.
This new accessory is conceptually similar to the brand's existing SUV kit. It is designed for the minimalist, $25,000 truck that Slate Auto is bringing to market. The key revelation is that the cargo kit will not be restricted to commercial fleet customers.
The Slate high roof cargo topper will be available to anyone who wants one.
Kit Variants and Pricing
The cargo kit will come in two main configurations. Buyers will be able to choose between a standard square-back version and the new high-roof model. Both versions are slated to be offered in white and black color options.
The high-roof version features a design that includes a spoiler cap. This cap replaces the top of the truck's cab to create a consistent roofline from front to back. The starting price for these kits is expected to be around $3,000.
| Variant | Key Feature | Available Colors | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Square Back | Traditional cargo box shape | White, Black | ~$3,000 |
| High-Roof Version | Spoiler cap for consistent roofline | White, Black | ~$3,000 |
Commercial and Upfitting Potential
Christian Kreipke also discussed potential commercial applications for the truck with the new cargo kit. He claimed that companies and municipalities are already brainstorming creative uses. These ideas reportedly include refrigeration units, slide-out modules, and even mobile vending machines.
Kreipke made another significant claim about the vehicle's future. He stated that the next-generation Slate pickup would maintain the same basic design dimensions as the initial model. This move, if true, is aimed at building confidence among third-party upfitters and aftermarket manufacturers.
They could develop equipment for the Slate without the fear of a sudden redesign making their products obsolete. Kreipke noted that this has been a consistent problem with vehicles from manufacturers like Ford.
Slate Auto, which is backed by Jeff Bezos, is continuing to finalize its market strategy as it approaches its first customer deliveries. The company is focusing seriously on the commercial truck segment. The return of the compact pickup format, now in an electric guise, is a certain trend, though the ultimate success of the Slate brand remains to be seen.
Source: Electrek