Electric vehicle startup Slate Auto revealed on October 28, 2025, that its upcoming affordable pickup truck will feature a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for direct access to Tesla's Supercharger network. The company also announced an industry-first partnership with RepairPal to provide nationwide service through certified independent shops. These moves aim to support the truck's production start in late 2026.
Slate Auto, an American EV startup known for its 'Blank Slate' design philosophy, issued two press releases on October 28, 2025, detailing key infrastructure support for its flagship bare-bones electric pickup truck. The vehicle, which offers over 100 accessories and an optional five-seat SUV conversion kit, will include a NACS charging port located at the driver's side rear, matching Tesla's positioning. This allows owners to charge at Tesla Superchargers without a dongle, joining a growing list of automakers adopting the standard for access to the U.S.'s most reliable fast-charging network.
The truck supports 120 kW charging with a base range of 150 miles, upgradeable to 240 miles, making it suitable primarily for around-town use, though Supercharger access enhances convenience. Production is slated to begin in Q4 2026 at a repurposed paper plant in Warsaw, Indiana, with initial deliveries following. Slate has secured well over 100,000 reservations since last May, each requiring a $50 refundable deposit.
Complementing the charging announcement, Slate partnered with RepairPal, which certifies over 4,000 independent service locations nationwide based on pricing, satisfaction, tools, and mechanic expertise. Not all sites will handle warranty repairs, but certified technicians will be trained for accessory installations and high-voltage services. This asset-light approach avoids the costly infrastructure buildout seen in competitors like Tesla and Rivian.
"DIY and open source are ingrained in Slate’s DNA. Slate believes that customers deserve the power to customize, accessorize, and repair their own vehicles, backed by the support of RepairPal’s network of highly skilled service technicians," the company stated in its release. Jeremy Snyder, Slate's chief commercial officer, added: "Slate’s OEM partnership with RepairPal’s nationwide network of service centers will give Slate customers peace of mind, while empowering independent service shops to provide accessorization and service."
Slate plans to produce 150,000 units annually by late 2027 or early 2028 at mid-$20,000s pricing, selling direct-to-consumer while leveraging existing service networks for broader accessibility.