{
  "id": 37367,
  "title": "The $25,000 Slate truck is proudly bare-bones. I think these add-ons are worth the extra money.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/the-25-000-slate-truck-is-proudly-bare-bones-i-think-these-add-ons",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T09:31:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/slate-truck-customize-add-ons-best-recommendations-2026-7"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This account of a $25,000 Slate truck emphasizes its bare-bones features and the optional add-ons that can be purchased to enhance the driving experience. Ben Shimkus, writing for Business Insider, test drives the truck and shares his thoughts on which add-ons he would consider essential and those he would choose if money were not an issue.\n\nThe base model Slate is an affordable, customizable electric truck starting at $24,950, with buyers able to purchase extra features from the company's accessory marketplace. The truck is notable for its manual hand crank windows, simple key entry system, and a plain interior that reflects its core mission of avoiding excess and complexity.\n\nShimkus's non-negotiable upgrades include a second-row bench for more passengers, a $250 integrated speaker system for music, and a $100 locking tailgate for security. He also mentions the need for a bike rack and rear-mounted carrier, costing an additional $700.\n\nIn a \"dream build\" scenario, Shimkus envisions a Slate truck with various luxurious options, including a blue body wrap, white roof, yellow accents, and a rear-mounted spare tire. He estimates this dream truck would cost nearly $35,000, exceeding the base price by over $10,000. Despite the added costs, Shimkus finds the Slate truck appealing for its personalization options and departure from the growing trend of interchangeable, feature-laden cars on the market.",
  "summary": "The Slate truck, priced at just under $25,000 before additional options, is designed with affordability and personalization in mind. The base model offers a minimalist experience with manual windows, a simple key entry system, and a straightforward interior. However, the company offers a wide range of accessories to enhance the vehicle's functionality and comfort. Among the top choices, a second-row bench adds seating capacity, making it more practical for everyday use. For those who enjoy music, Slate's integrated speaker system for $250 would likely be a priority. Additionally, a locking tailgate for $100 offers a more secure solution for the bed's contents. These optional upgrades bring the price well into the $30,000 range, but they cater to individual preferences and needs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Slate truck starts at $24,950, customizable with accessories",
    "Non-negotiable upgrades: second-row bench, speaker system, locking tailgate",
    "Dream build would cost nearly $35,000, $10,000 over base price"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/37367.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}