Slate Auto is a Michigan-based American startup with a goal of producing a compact all-electric pickup truck priced below US$25,000. The venture is backed in part by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Mark Walter, owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
An SUV variant is expected to follow later, with a starting price of US$29,950. However, the new automaker has decided not to market its products in Canada.
While Slate has not provided a specific explanation for the decision, several experts believe the vehicle's low price would be difficult to maintain in Canada, particularly because of tariffs imposed by various levels of government.
The Slate will initially be assembled in a former printing facility in Indiana, which could make it vulnerable to reciprocal tariffs of 25%. Based on current estimates, the pickup could carry a starting price of approximately C$44,300 in Canada, significantly reducing its appeal to potential buyers.
(Photo: Slate)

