A Blank Canvas on Wheels

The upcoming Slate electric pickup is designed with a focus on structural minimalism. By shipping from the factory with unpainted, industrial-grade gray composite body panels, the truck essentially serves as a blank canvas for its owners. To help customers add a touch of personality to this stark aesthetic, the startup has unveiled an unexpected branding collaboration with Crayola.

This partnership brings five iconic crayon-inspired colors to the vehicle’s exterior wrap lineup: Cerulean (blue), Fern (green), Dandelion (yellow), Jersey Tomato (orange), and Razzmatazz (pink).

The Crayola 'Starter Pack' Details

Priced as a premium bundle, each Crayola wrap kit costs $1,549.99. This is a significant premium compared to Slate's standard vinyl offerings, which start at $500, or specialty colors, which cost $669.99. Furthermore, professional installation through the manufacturer's network is estimated to cost an additional $500.

Beyond the primary vinyl wrap, these thematic kits include several exclusive touches:

  • Graphic decals mimicking the classic black wavy lines seen on traditional crayon wrappers.
  • A matching colored cap for the vehicle's key fob.
  • A small, clip-on crayon accessory designed for the interior windshield.

For those looking for a more subtle look, the company will also offer racing stripes, partial wraps, and custom door numbers. Slate intends to launch its accessory marketplace with over 100 different wrap color options.

Vehicle Specs and Market Positioning

Slate has officially opened its pre-order portal, requiring a $300 non-refundable deposit to secure a spot in the build queue. The base model of the truck is competitively positioned with a starting price of $24,950, excluding destination fees.

Mechanically, the entry-level truck is equipped with a 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering approximately 205 miles of range. It features a rear-wheel-drive powertrain with 181 horsepower, capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds when unladen. With a curb weight of 4,048 pounds and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 5,689 pounds, the vehicle supports a maximum payload of 1,550 pounds.

A Minimalist Approach to the Cabin

The interior design choice is notably austere. The cabin eschews modern infotainment touchscreens and power amenities entirely, opting for old-school manual crank windows and a dashboard centered around a simple smartphone cradle. Despite this lack of traditional "tech," initial test drives suggest the ride quality is unexpectedly smooth and quiet.

The truck's modular design allows owners to purchase an aftermarket shell that converts the cargo bed into a two-row SUV configuration. While the base truck starts under $25,000, adding the SUV enclosure and various high-margin accessories—like the Crayola kits—can push the final price toward $35,000. As Slate moves toward its goal of delivering the first vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year, these high-margin accessories will be vital to the company's long-term financial health.