In a now familiar scene for car enthusiasts, a mysterious image surfaced on social media showing a camouflaged electric pickup truck. However, this one appeared unique enough to spark widespread speculation. The vehicle was spotted being unloaded from a transport truck on the streets of Los Angeles and is believed to belong to Slate Auto, a Michigan based EV startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Initial reports suggest that Slate Auto is developing a compact, two door, two seat electric truck aimed at delivering practicality and affordability. With a target price of no more than $25k (92k AED), the truck is expected to debut in late 2026.
Unconventional Design Grabs Attention and Sparks Curiosity
A Reddit user posted an image that generated significant online buzz, showing the camouflaged pickup being unloaded from a shipping container. The transport vehicle bore the logo of Time Towing LLC. While the picture didn’t offer many details, its boxy frame and urban friendly proportions captured attention.
Observers quickly noted that the truck’s design doesn’t match any existing production model. Some compared it to a hybrid between classic Range Rovers and the Jeep Renegade, citing its compact body and upright profile. The absence of a front grille reinforced the likelihood of a fully electric setup, further supported by a charging port visible near the rear.
Speculation grew rapidly, with many believing the vehicle was Slate Auto’s debut model. While some suggested it could be a custom test build, TechCrunch later confirmed through a source with direct knowledge that the vehicle in the image is indeed Slate Auto’s first working prototype, adding further momentum to the growing curiosity surrounding the company.
Detroit Based Slate Auto Aims to Disrupt the EV Market
Founded quietly in 2022 as part of Bezos’ investment in Re: Build Manufacturing, Slate Auto is headquartered in Detroit, the heart of the U.S. automotive industry. Since its inception, the startup has attracted engineering talent from legacy automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, as well as from ambitious but struggling EV startups such as Fisker and Canoo.
Slate Auto’s mission is to deliver a budget-friendly, compact electric pickup with just two doors and two seats, an offering rarely seen in today’s market. Priced at an accessible $25k (92k AED), the model aims to capture a segment often overlooked by larger EV brands. While building such a vehicle at scale is no easy task given high EV production costs, Slate appears to be relying on smart manufacturing techniques and streamlined designs to meet its goal.
The company released its first teaser video in collaboration with Newsweek, offering brief glimpses of the vehicle from new angles. Although much of the body remains under wraps, the front grille is now partially visible. More information is expected to drop on April 23, possibly including the model’s name and early specifications related to range, performance, and platform architecture.
With mounting interest in affordable EV solutions, Slate Auto could find itself at the center of attention, especially with the backing of a high profile figure like Jeff Bezos and a marketing campaign built around mystery and intrigue. If it delivers as promised, this pickup could become one of the most talked about electric vehicles heading into 2026.
