People can’t stop talking about the new Slate EV truck. Starting at $27,000—or less than $20,000 if you qualify for EV incentives—the U.S.-built, two-door pickup is generating plenty of buzz. While its meager range of 150 miles on a single charge isn’t much, the Slate stands out as both an urban commuter or small business vehicle and because it doesn’t follow the traditional automaker playbook.

What’s the Slate Truck?

The truck is offered in a single, bare-bones configuration with no radio, no speakers, and no infotainment system, and the windows are manual crank-style. And the single-cab design seats just two people.

However, buyers looking for more flexibility or range will be able to to add extra-cost features. Options include a Bluetooth speaker, a larger battery pack, an iPad that doubles as an infotainment screen, and even bolting three additional seats and a roof out back to transform it into an SUV.

But the Slate goes beyond “optional features,” though; it’s being marketed as a full-fledged DIY project. Buyers are encouraged to further customize it themselves—everything from wrapping it in different colors (since it only comes in one paint option) to adding stripes and more. The interior is modular, allowing owners to easily add different accessories. The idea is to give drivers the freedom to make their truck as unique and distinguishable as they want.

Can I Buy the Slate Truck on Amazon?

At this very moment, no. But with hundreds of accessories, decals, and more available, it’s not hard to see the Slate truck eventually being sold—and shipped—through Amazon. After all, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is one of Slate’s major investors and Amazon already already sells Hyundai vehicles online.

And even if the truck itself isn’t sold through the site, Slate’s vast catalog of possible accessories seem tailor-made for Amazon-style online shopping. And Amazon isn’t new to the auto parts game, either. In fact, last year our sister magazine HOT ROD worked on a 1967 Ford Mustang project car with parts exclusively sold on Amazon.

How Would Buying a Slate on Amazon Work?

Amazon Autos launched in late 2023 with a beta program that partnered with Hyundai dealerships across the country. As part of the program, Amazon has a window directly into each dealer’s existing inventory, offering customers transparent pricing and available incentives—all with a hassle-free experience. The goal is for buyers to handle all the paperwork online at their own pace, showing up at the dealership only to pick up their new vehicle.

With Bezos’ backing and Slate’s wide range of accessories, it makes sense for Amazon to eventually sell both the truck and its add-ons online. Unlike Hyundai, though, Slate doesn’t plan to have dealerships; instead, it aims to sell directly to consumers, much like Tesla. So, while a potential partnership with Amazon wouldn’t be a carbon copy of the Hyundai model, tapping into Amazon’s vast distribution network could be a major advantage for Slate, connecting the brand to millions of customers nationwide through a reliable, established platform.

For now, Amazon Autos is only selling Hyundais, but it will surely expand to include other automakers. At the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, Fan Jin, Amazon’s director of vehicle sales, told us the company was looking for “high-quality dealers who are forward-thinking and as customer-obsessed as we are.” Whether Slate will fit into that kind of business model remains to be seen. The company plans to launch its truck in the fourth quarter of next year.

We reached out to Slate about this potential partnership, and a spokesperson told us, “Slate does not have a formal relationship with Amazon. We are fortunate to have the support of Bezos Expeditions as an investor in Slate. Stay with us on our journey around accessories … ” We’ve also reached out to Amazon and will update this story if we receive a response.