Electric Pickup Now Starts at $22,900 in California

Getting behind the wheel of an electric pickup for under $23,000 sounds too good to be true, but California just made it possible.

The Slate electric pickup, already America's most affordable EV, now starts at just $22,900 in California after a brand new state rebate. That's less than a gas-powered Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz, making electric vehicle ownership accessible to more drivers than ever before.

The base price for the Slate starts at $26,400 nationwide, including the $1,450 destination charge. But California's new MyFirstEV program, signed into law this week by Governor Gavin Newsom, gives first-time EV buyers an instant $3,500 rebate right at the dealership.

The timing couldn't be better for budget-conscious truck shoppers. With the federal EV tax credit gone, state programs like California's are filling the gap and making clean transportation affordable for everyday families.

Slate kept costs down by getting creative with customization. Every truck leaves the factory in the same unpainted gray composite material, and buyers can personalize it with vinyl wraps starting at just $499.99. The company offers over 200 accessories, with 80 percent priced under $500, so drivers only pay for what they actually need.

The specs deliver real utility too. The Slate offers 205 miles of range from its 65-kWh battery, can tow 2,000 pounds, and carries a 1,550-pound payload. It charges using Tesla's Supercharger network and can hit 100 percent in four hours on a home charger.

The Ripple Effect

This pricing breakthrough shows how state and local programs can accelerate the shift to clean transportation. When electric vehicles cost less than gas-powered alternatives, the choice becomes obvious for families watching their budgets.

More affordable EVs mean cleaner air in communities, lower fuel costs for working families, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Over 180,000 reservation holders have already put down deposits, showing real demand exists when the price is right.

The first Slates hit the road later this year, proving that going electric doesn't have to mean going broke.