Bezos reportedly backing Slate Auto EV production

Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is backing a Michigan EV start-up Slate Auto which aims to produce a two-seat electric ute.

So says TechCrunch which reckons Slate Auto could start production next year.

It says Slate Auto is part of a Bezos connected company Re:Build Manufacturing and plans to produce an “affordable”US$25,000 electric pickup truck (ute).

“Slate hopes to get its vehicle into production as soon as late 2026 at a manufacturing facility somewhere near Indianapolis, Indiana, according to job listings, state lobbying records, and a 2024 interview with executive chairman Rodney Copes,” says TechCrunch, which adds the project comes at a “challenging time” for EVs.

“Slate plans to supplement the small margins of its low-cost truck by building out a line of accessories and apparel that owners can use to customise their vehicles and their looks,“ says TechCrunch, adding Slate Auto and Re:Build Manufacturing have former Harley-Davidson, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis employees.