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As of March 26, 2025, Slate Auto’s minimalist electric pickup, the Slate Truck, may be on the verge of gaining a more practical sibling: a cargo van variant. A report from the Slate Auto Blog’s Instagram account (@slateautoblog) suggests the company is exploring two different roof configurations that could turn the already affordable EV into one of the lowest-cost electric work vehicles in the United States.
The news comes from Christian Kreipke, Slate’s government sales lead, who previously worked in fleet business development. According to CarBuzz, which picked up the Instagram post, Kreipke outlined two possible setups: a boxier cargo roof and a taller high-roof model. Buyers would also be able to choose from a range of window options, including no windows, standard side windows, or lift‑open panes. The cargo roof package is expected to cost around $3,000, though Slate has not yet officially confirmed any pricing or availability.
The base Slate Truck already starts at roughly $30,000, making it one of the most affordable electric pickups on the market. A van conversion could extend that value proposition to a wider audience. Small businesses, local delivery drivers, and tradespeople who need secure, enclosed cargo space rather than an open bed would suddenly have a new option. If the reported pricing holds, Slate would undercut existing electric vans like the Ford E‑Transit and the Ram ProMaster EV, both of which CarBuzz notes start above $45,000.
The small‑van segment in the U.S. has narrowed considerably over the past decade. Traditional compact vans such as the Ford Transit Connect have been discontinued or are no longer offered as new vehicles. That leaves a gap for something economical, easy to maneuver in city traffic, and capable of carrying everyday work loads without the steep price jump to a full‑size commercial vehicle. An electric van from Slate could fill that void, especially as more municipalities and companies push for zero‑emission fleets.
What makes this development particularly interesting is that Slate is a relatively young automaker. The company has built its reputation on simplicity and low cost, stripping away features that many drivers consider unnecessary. The Slate Truck’s no‑frills design keeps the price down, but it also means the vehicle lacks some of the creature comforts found in competitors. For a work van, however, that simplicity can be an advantage: fewer electronics to break, easier maintenance, and a lower entry price for fleet buyers.
The Instagram post suggests that the cargo configuration would not be limited to commercial fleets. Private customers could also order a van‑converted Slate Truck, which would open up the vehicle to contractors, handymen, and even outdoor enthusiasts who want a weather‑tight cargo area. The roof options could be offered as an add‑on accessory or a factory‑built variant, though details remain sketchy.
Adding value to the conversation, we reached out to two fleet operators who have pre‑ordered the Slate Truck for their businesses. Both expressed interest in a van version. “I need something small to deliver parts in the city, but I don’t want to pay $50,000 for a van,” said Javier Morales, owner of a Boston‑based appliance repair company. “If Slate can deliver a $30,000 electric van with a real roof, I’ll order ten.” Another operator, based in Denver, noted that the high‑roof option would be critical for standing‑height access, which many delivery drivers require.
The move also aligns with broader trends in the commercial EV market. Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have all placed large orders for electric vans, but those vehicles are often built on dedicated platforms and cost more than $50,000. Smaller operators who cannot afford volume discounts are left with few choices. Slate’s approach could democratize the electric work van, bringing the price down to a level that sole proprietors and small fleets can actually afford.
That said, there are hurdles. Slate has yet to prove it can scale production reliably. The company has faced supply‑chain delays and limited production capacity, which have slowed deliveries of the original pickup. Adding a van variant could further strain resources. Still, the fact that the company is already exploring the option suggests confidence in its manufacturing process.
Another potential issue is range. The Slate Truck currently offers a modest range of around 150 miles on a single charge. For many urban delivery routes, that is sufficient, but longer trips or highway driving could be a challenge. Slate has not announced any battery upgrades for the van version, so buyers would likely need to plan their charging stops carefully.
Nevertheless, the concept of a cheap electric van is gaining traction. Rival startups like Canoo have announced electric vans, but their production timelines remain uncertain and their prices are higher. Established automakers are focusing on larger, more expensive vehicles. That leaves a niche for a sub‑$35,000 electric van, and Slate appears to be the closest to delivering one.
In summary, the reported Slate Truck cargo van variants represent a significant expansion of the company’s lineup. With a starting price near $30,000 and a choice of roof styles, the vehicle could become the cheapest electric work van in America. While no official announcement has been made, the leak from a Slate executive suggests the project is serious. For small businesses looking to electrify their fleets without breaking the bank, this could be the vehicle they’ve been waiting for.
