At a Glance
- 150,000+ deposits for Slate’s all-electric pickup
- Slate targets a 2026 launch at about $25,000
- 2026 EV market faces the end of the $7,500 federal tax credit and softer retail
- Why it matters: Consumers and manufacturers are realigning priorities as incentives fade
The upcoming year will see a pivot toward low-cost electric vehicles as federal incentives wind down and charging infrastructure becomes the focus.
Slate Auto’s Budget Pickup
Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, announced a $50 reservation program for its all-electric, two-door pickup that was originally priced near $20,000 before credits expired. The company reports more than 150,000 deposits and plans to ship the truck in about a year.
- No power windows
- No infotainment or audio system
- Optional higher-capacity battery (price TBD)
- Optional closed-body SUV package for $5,000
Chris Barman stated:
> “The Slate is still affordable. It doesn’t matter.”
Industry Context
Other automakers are also trimming features to cut costs. Ford announced a $30,000 plug-in, gas-powered pickup for 2027, and a $19.5 billion write-down of its EV business earlier this year. New models such as the re-introduced Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, Volvo EX30, and Mercedes-Benz CLA EV all fall below the $50,000 average price of new cars in 2025.
- Ford: 2027 pickup, $30,000
- Nissan Leaf: re-introduced 2026, <$50,000
- Chevy Bolt: re-introduced 2026, <$50,000
- Volvo EX30: single-motor, <$50,000
- Mercedes-Benz CLA EV: new 2026, <$50,000
Mike Calise, CEO of Tellus Power, said:
> “Slate Auto is particularly interesting because the very fact that its truck has surpassed more than 150,000 orders shows there’s a real demand for this kind of ‘utility-over-bells-and-whistles’ approach to cars.”
> “When you strip away the $5,000 infotainment systems and the motorized seats, you aren’t just lowering the price; you’re lowering the barrier to entry for the millions of small businesses and fleet operators who just need a tool that works.”
> “Whether it’s a Slate truck with manual windows or a scaled-down Ford, these vehicles are the answer to the affordability crisis.”
Infrastructure Focus
The Trump administration’s shift toward hybrids and gas-only vehicles may boost sales short-term, but long-term consumer confidence hinges on charging infrastructure. More vehicles will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port built into the car rather than using adapters.
| Brand | NACS Port | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla | Built-in | Standard for Supercharger network |
| Hyundai | Built-in | Upcoming models |
| Kia | Built-in | Upcoming models |
| Nissan | Built-in | Upcoming models |
| Rivian | Built-in | Upcoming models |
Mike Calise added:
> “The winners will be the ones who can get hardware in the ground and keep it running.”
> “The biggest development will be the shift from volume to reliability.”
Dealers will face a buyer’s market for used EVs as the federal discount program ends. Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data and analytics at J.D. Power, told News Of Philadelphia:
> “It’s still going to be a buyer’s market for used EV buyers. But dealers will still want those cars off their lots.”
> “Dealers will still have to figure out ways to sell any EVs with little or no incentives other than any automaker support, while many will have an influx of gas-only or hybrid vehicles on sale, and companies pushing support on models subjected to tariffs that have bigger profit margins than budget EVs.”
> “When consumers talk about affordability, they’re often sitting around their table talking about bills and monthly payments. Interest rates are certainly one of the variables feeding higher monthly payments.”
Key Takeaways
- Slate Auto’s low-cost pickup has secured 150,000+ reservations, proving demand for bare-bones EVs.
- Major automakers are trimming features and pricing new models below $50,000 to stay competitive.
- The shift to NACS-compatible vehicles and reliable charging infrastructure will shape the 2026 EV landscape.
The 2026 EV market will be defined by affordability and infrastructure, with manufacturers and consumers alike adjusting to a post-tax-credit reality.
