Slate's extremely affordable electric vehicle will begin taking pre-orders in June, yet the price remains undisclosed.

      Slate's affordable EV truck is nearly set to start accepting orders.

      Slate Auto’s straightforward electric truck is inching closer to its road debut. The startup has announced that preorders will begin on June 24, 2026, with an initial deposit of $300. The EV manufacturer has also been collecting refundable $50 reservations, and recent communications to potential customers urge them to reserve now to secure an earlier delivery timeline than those who wait for the preorder launch.

      We have the preorder timeline, but not the definite pricing details.

      Slate

      Slate previously attracted attention by claiming that the base model of its electric vehicle could start at below $20,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. However, that federal incentive was subsequently eliminated, and Slate has since been vague about the final pricing, indicating it will likely begin in the mid-$20,000 range.

      Thus, June 24 is poised to be a significant date for the startup. Slate has built its brand on the premise of eliminating costly complexities to offer a straightforward and customizable EV at a price point that is accessible to average consumers. Should the price deviate too much from the initial affordable promise, the truck might face challenges in terms of sales.

      It’s still quite attractive.

      Slate

      Slate refers to its forthcoming budget EV as a straightforward electric pickup that can transform into an SUV, a work truck, or a personalized vehicle through various accessories and kits. This minimalist strategy has resonated with consumers, as Slate has reportedly garnered over 160,000 refundable reservations since unveiling the EV last year. However, it remains to be seen how many of these will convert into actual purchases.

      Despite this, the appeal of a “buy now, upgrade later” model for EVs cannot be overlooked. It holds significant potential, provided it aligns with an appropriate price range.

      Vikhyaat Vivek is a tech journalist and reviewer with seven years of experience specializing in consumer hardware.

      Low-cost sodium batteries in China are already matching Tesla's performance levels.

      Researchers have found that commercial sodium-ion cells from Hina are achieving important performance and manufacturing standards akin to Tesla's batteries. A sodium-ion battery currently used in China is encroaching on Tesla's performance, posing renewed pressure on lithium-ion batteries' cost benefits. Tests on Hina's cells revealed consistent performance across a broad sample, robust power capabilities, and design features similar to Tesla batteries. While the low-cost sodium battery still requires advancement—particularly in cold-weather charging—it suggests a less expensive option for EVs, grid storage, and commercial vehicles that don’t require extensive driving ranges.

      Tesla’s main competitor introduces self-driving technology with comprehensive crash coverage at a lower cost.

      BYD has dealt another significant blow to Tesla. The company has unveiled a new self-driving package at a price that significantly undercuts Tesla's driver-assistance service. The Chinese electric vehicle giant announced a service package called God's Eye, with chairman Wang Chuanfu stating that BYD's primary goal is to achieve "zero traffic accidents." During a recent press event, he revealed that BYD will fully compensate for damages and repairs resulting from accidents that occur while using its City Navigation function, without impacting the driver's insurance premiums the following year.

      Tesla seeks to instill confidence in its self-driving technology, but even its trainers have reservations.

      Elon Musk has been touting the arrival of a fully autonomous Tesla for nearly a decade. If you choose to believe him, that future seems just ahead. However, a recent investigation by Reuters indicates that those closest to the technology, particularly the individuals training it, have no faith in it. Hundreds of Tesla employees spend their days reviewing footage captured by vehicles operating on Full Self-Driving. They witness various incidents, including pets and wildlife being hit without the vehicles braking, near-misses involving children, and Teslas exceeding speed limits by 20 to 30 mph. The situation appears grave, yet Elon Musk continues to assert that FSD is ready for deployment.