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Slate Auto

ApplicationTroy, MI, USAFounded 2022· One of 381 Application companies tracked by AMPulse

Develops affordable modular electric pickup trucks with 3D-printed plastic body panels and open-source CAD files for DIY customization, enabling owners to print accessories locally.

CEO / Founder
Peter Faricy
Team Size
201-500
Stage
Early Stage
Total Funding
$811M
Latest Round
Series C
Key Investors
Bezos Expeditions; General Catalyst; Mark Walter; Slauson & Co.; Re:Build Manufacturing

Technology & Products

Key Products

Slate Truck (electric pickup); 3D-printed body panels and accessories; Open-source CAD files for customization; Slatelet clip-in dash badges

Technological Advantage

Proprietary design for 3D-printed lightweight plastic body panels reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, protected by trade secrets; leverages existing 3D printing infrastructure for aftermarket customization.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Reduces vehicle customization costs by enabling 3D printing of accessories, eliminating paint shops and traditional manufacturing overhead to offer EVs starting under $20,000 after tax credits.

How They Differentiate

3x lower starting price than Telo Truck (~$20k vs ~$60k) with 3D-printed customization options; unlike Ford Maverick, offers open-source CAD files for DIY accessory printing vs traditional aftermarket parts.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

Budget-conscious consumers, DIY enthusiasts, small businesses seeking affordable customizable EVs

Industry Verticals

Automotive; Consumer Goods

Competitors

Telo Truck; Alpha Motors Wolf; Ford Maverick

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Over 100,000 preorders reported; targeting 150,000 units annually by 2027-2028

Major Milestones

Launched from stealth in 2025; Secured former Indiana printing plant for manufacturing; Appointed new CEO in 2026; Planned production start in late 2026

https://www.slate.auto

Why this company matters

Slate Auto is an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer based in Troy, Michigan, targeting budget-conscious consumers and DIY enthusiasts with an affordable, modular pickup truck. Founded in 2022, the company differentiates itself from established alternatives like the Ford Maverick and startups such as Telo Truck by offering a starting price roughly three times lower than Telo's, combined with a unique approach to vehicle customization. Slate's direct-to-consumer sales model bypasses traditional dealerships, further reducing costs.

The core technology centers on polymer material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing to produce lightweight plastic body panels and accessories. Slate provides open-source CAD files, enabling owners to print replacement panels or custom accessories on local 3D printers. This approach eliminates the need for paint shops and traditional tooling, reducing manufacturing complexity. The company's proprietary design for these panels is protected by trade secrets rather than patents, deliberately avoiding existing IP to foster an open accessory ecosystem via the Slate Marketplace.

Slate's target customers include small businesses, DIY builders, and value-oriented EV buyers. The company has secured over 100,000 preorders and plans to produce 150,000 units annually by 2027-2028. Key partnerships include RepairPal for service network support. Slate raised $811 million from investors including Bezos Expeditions, General Catalyst, and Re:Build Manufacturing, and appointed former Amazon VP Peter Faricy as CEO in 2026. Production is slated to begin in late 2026 at a former Indiana printing plant.

A key open question is whether Slate can scale polymer 3D printing to automotive-grade durability and production volumes while maintaining its cost advantage. The reliance on trade secrets rather than patents may leave its design approach vulnerable to replication. Success will depend on executing its production timeline and building consumer trust in 3D-printed vehicle body panels.