Slate’s Gray $25,000 Truck Just Got a Crayola Makeover

New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Slate Auto, the Bezos-backed carmaker building America's cheapest electric truck, is making waves in the automotive industry with its recent collaboration with Crayola. This partnership marks Crayola's first foray into the automotive sector, aligning perfectly with Slate's innovative approach to vehicle design and customization. The Slate truck is designed to be a basic, gray, unpainted vehicle that can be wrapped rather than painted, a strategy that not only reduces production costs but also allows for a high degree of personalization.

The collaboration has resulted in five vibrant vehicle wraps—Cerulean, Fern, Jersey Tomato, Razzmatazz, and Dandelion—each derived from Crayola's well-known crayon lineup. This unique offering allows prospective owners to customize their trucks in a way that reflects their individual style, making the Slate more than just a utility vehicle; it becomes a canvas for self-expression. Customers can choose to specify their desired color, such as a hot-pink Razzmatazz, when placing their orders.

To enhance the customization experience, each wrap comes as part of a starter pack that includes decals, a color-coordinated key-fob cap, and a clip-on dashboard accessory called a Slatelet. These packs will be available through Slate's online marketplace, which already boasts over 200 other accessories aimed at enhancing the ownership experience. This move towards personalization is indicative of a broader trend in the automotive industry, where consumers increasingly seek vehicles that reflect their identity and lifestyle.

The basic model of the Slate truck starts at an astonishingly low price of $24,950, making it the most affordable new truck available in the United States. This price point is particularly significant as it opens the door to electric vehicle (EV) ownership for a wider audience, especially those who may have previously viewed EVs as prohibitively expensive. The Slate truck is designed with a single gray composite body, devoid of a touchscreen and equipped with manual windows, all of which contribute to keeping costs down while still delivering essential functionality.

Wraps for the Slate have been part of the company's vision from the beginning. Standard wrap kits are available in over 100 colors, starting at $500, with professional installation costing roughly the same. However, the Crayola-themed starter packs, while colorful and appealing, come at a premium price. Transforming a Slate into a Dandelion or Jersey Tomato will cost owners $1,550, which is three times the cost of a standard wrap. This pricing raises questions about the accessibility of such customization options for budget-conscious consumers who are drawn to Slate's promise of affordable customization.

As previously reported, interested buyers can place a preorder for a Slate truck by paying a deposit of $300, or $250 for those who already hold a $50 reservation. This strategy not only secures a place in line for the vehicle but also allows customers to add the Crayola pack later, creating a flexible purchasing experience. Deliveries for the Slate are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the majority expected to ship throughout 2027. This timeline reflects the company's commitment to delivering a quality product while navigating the complexities of automotive manufacturing.

The Slate truck features a rear-wheel-drive, single-motor electric setup, boasting a claimed range of 205 miles on a single charge. It also has a tow rating of 2,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds, making it a practical choice for those needing a reliable work vehicle. The truck's acceleration from zero to 60 mph is a leisurely 8 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 90 mph, characteristics that align with its role as a functional, budget-friendly electric truck.

At the heart of the Slate's affordability is its 65-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. This type of battery technology, while developed in the United States, has seen significant advancements in China, allowing for a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries. The Slate's battery system enables it to charge at DC 120 kW, providing a rapid charging experience that can take the battery from 20 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. This feature is particularly important for consumers who rely on their vehicles for daily tasks and cannot afford long charging times.

The introduction of the Slate truck and its unique partnership with Crayola reflects a significant shift in the automotive landscape, particularly as electric vehicles become more mainstream. As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability and affordability, Slate's approach may set a new standard for how vehicles are marketed and sold. The emphasis on customization, combined with a commitment to keeping prices low, positions Slate as a potential disruptor in a market that has traditionally been dominated by higher-priced electric vehicles.

Furthermore, this collaboration with Crayola taps into nostalgia and creativity, appealing to a demographic that values personal expression in their vehicle choice. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this could pave the way for more innovative marketing strategies that resonate with consumers on a deeper level. The implications of such collaborations extend beyond mere aesthetics; they challenge traditional notions of what a vehicle represents and how it can serve as a platform for individuality.

In conclusion, Slate Auto's partnership with Crayola not only enhances the appeal of its already affordable electric truck but also signifies a broader trend toward personalization and creativity in the automotive industry. As Slate prepares to launch its trucks, the anticipation surrounding their unique offerings, including the Crayola wraps, will likely attract a diverse range of customers eager to embrace a new era of electric vehicle ownership that is both practical and expressive.