Bezos-backed EV startup Slate Auto’s pickup truck spotted in the wild

Tech Crunch - Apr 10th, 2025

A secretive EV startup called Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, has stirred attention as an early version of their low-cost electric pickup truck was recently spotted in Los Angeles. A Reddit user shared a photo of the truck, which was confirmed as a Slate Auto vehicle by a source familiar with the company's design. The truck's simple design suggests a focus on affordability, with a planned price point around $25,000, and the company aims to attract customers through a customizable approach. Slate Auto is reportedly showing these concept vehicles to potential investors, including influential figures such as the controlling owner of the LA Dodgers, at its Long Beach design studio.

The emergence of Slate Auto's truck highlights a strategic move to disrupt the electric vehicle market with a highly customizable, budget-friendly option. The startup has filed trademarks for phrases like “WE BUILT IT. YOU MAKE IT.” and “Blank Slate,” hinting at a personalization-focused business model. This approach could appeal to consumers seeking individuality in their vehicles, potentially setting a new trend in the automotive industry. As the company prepares to exit stealth mode, it remains unclear whether a final name for the truck has been decided, but the anticipation is building around this innovative venture, supported by one of the world's most influential entrepreneurs.

Los Angeles Electric Vehicles Automotive Industry Jeff Bezos Rivian Customization Slate Auto Pickup Trucks

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and engaging overview of Slate Auto's developments, particularly its association with Jeff Bezos and the sighting of a prototype vehicle. It is clear and well-structured, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the article's reliance on anonymous sources and lack of official confirmation from Slate Auto affect its accuracy and source quality. While it captures public interest and has the potential to influence opinion, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective and greater transparency regarding its sources. Overall, the story is informative and intriguing but would be strengthened by additional verification and exploration of broader industry implications.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as Jeff Bezos backing Slate Auto, the sighting of a prototype vehicle, and the company's business model. These claims are largely supported by the information provided, but some details require further verification. For instance, while a source confirms the vehicle is from Slate Auto, there is no official confirmation from the company itself. Additionally, the article mentions trademarks and a potential customization program, which are based on insider information but lack public records or statements for verification. Thus, while the article is mostly accurate, some claims are not fully verifiable.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Slate Auto and its developments, with little attention to other perspectives or competing companies in the EV market. There is a potential bias towards presenting Slate Auto in a positive light, considering its association with Jeff Bezos and innovative business model. The article does not explore potential criticisms or challenges the company might face, such as market competition or technological hurdles. Including perspectives from industry experts or competitors could provide a more balanced view.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative about Slate Auto and its developments. The language is straightforward, and the story progresses logically from the sighting of the vehicle to the company's business model and future plans. However, some technical terms and insider references, such as design similarities to the Rivian R1T, may not be immediately clear to all readers without additional context or explanation.

Source quality

The article relies on a mix of anonymous sources and publicly available information, such as Reddit posts and trademark filings. The anonymity of key sources, while sometimes necessary, can affect the perceived reliability of the information. The article does not cite any official statements from Slate Auto, which would enhance credibility. The reliance on a Reddit post as a primary source for the vehicle sighting also raises questions about the source's authority and reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks full transparency regarding its sources and the basis of its claims. While it mentions insider information, it does not provide details on the methodology for gathering this information or the potential conflicts of interest of the sources. The article could benefit from more explicit disclosure of how the information was obtained and any potential biases that might influence the reporting. This would help readers better understand the context and reliability of the claims made.