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Slate Auto: The Jeff Bezos-Backed EV Revolution · Captain Overfit (HI)

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome aboard, folks.
• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Today we're diving into Slate Auto, the new kid on the electric vehicle block that's got the auto industry buzzing.
• 0:08
  SPEAKER_00: Backed by none other than Jeff Bezos, this startup is shaking things up with its promise of an ultra-affordable, customizable electric pickup truck.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: Slate Auto emerged from the shadows in April 2025, revealing itself as a game changer in the electric vehicle market.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: With a focus on affordability, they aim to deliver an electric pickup truck starting at a jaw-dropping$25,000.
• 0:34
  SPEAKER_00: Nestled in Troy, Michigan, right in the heart of traditional automotive giants like Ford and General Motors, Slate Auto has been quietly crafting its vision for three years.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: It's like they were building a secret lair while everyone else was busy crashing their EV dreams.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: Talk about a stealth mode that puts fighter jets to shame.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_00: TechCrunch broke the news on April 8, unveiling the company's stealth operations and its impressive financial backing, which includes Bezos and LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter.
• 1:05
  SPEAKER_00: That's some serious star power, makes you wonder if they're working on a superhero EV.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: Now, Slate Auto isn't just another run-of-the-mill EV startup.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: They're taking a radically different approach, their electric pickup truck isn't just affordable, it's customizable.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: It's like the Swiss Army knife of trucks, just without the sharp edges.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: With the team featuring former employees from Harley Davidson and Chrysler, Slate Auto is tapping into the lucrative world of accessories and aftermarket parts.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: This truck isn't just a vehicle, it's a canvas for personal expression, like the Mona Lisa, but if she had a tailgate.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: On April 10, the excitement ramped up when a prototype of Slate's truck was spotted in Long Beach, California, confirming that this wasn't just talk.
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_00: The anticipation was palpable as they began teasing transformer-like modular capabilities.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, who wouldn't want a vehicle that can turn into a jet fighter?
• 2:03
  SPEAKER_00: Well, maybe not yet, but the possibilities are exciting.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: Buckle up, we're entering turbulent skies.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: By April 24, Slate Auto officially launched its customizable electric pickup, announcing a price that could drop under$20,000 with tax credits.
• 2:20
  SPEAKER_00: However, it's not all shiny and new, the base model is pretty bare bones, offering only 150 miles of range and no frills.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: But for those who want a blank slate, pun intended, this could be the perfect starting point for customization.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: Although, let's be honest, if you're looking for frills, you might be better off in first class.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_00: In just two weeks following their launch, Slate Auto racked up over 100,000 refundable reservations, proving that the market is hungry for an affordable EV option.
• 2:52
  SPEAKER_00: But then came a hiccup, the end of the federal tax credit, which forced Slate to adjust their pricing strategy.
• 2:59
  SPEAKER_00: Talk about turbulence in the cockpit.
• 3:02
  SPEAKER_00: It's almost like they hit an unexpected storm and had to reroute.
• 3:07
  SPEAKER_00: As we cruised into late 2026, the company was navigating some internal changes, including a surprise CEO swap.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: Former Amazon Marketplace VP Peter Pharisee took the helm, ready to steer Slate toward a successful launch.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: The question is, will he fly this ship or run it into the ground like a bad airline?
• 3:28
  SPEAKER_00: Now, here's the kicker.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: Despite the challenges, Slate Auto has maintained strong interest, crossing 150,000 reservations.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: The EV landscape may be cooling down, but this startup is positioning itself in a low competition zone, ready to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles, not unlike a well-timed approach for landing at a busy airport.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: Okay, we're entering clear skies now.
• 3:53
  SPEAKER_00: Feel free to remove your seatbelt and roam around a little as we look ahead.
• 3:57
  SPEAKER_00: Slate Auto's unique approach could very well redefine the market for electric pickups.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_00: And with Bezos in their corner, you can bet they'll be making headlines for a while to come.
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_00: I've added links to all the products mentioned in this episode down in the show notes.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_00: If you use those links, it's a small way to support the show, and it means a lot to me.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_00: Until next time, keep creating, keep adapting, and remember, the future doesn't wait for permission.
• 4:23
  SPEAKER_00: This is Captain Overfit signing off.