Just a day after TechCrunch revealed that Jeff Bezos is backing a secretive EV startup called Slate Auto, an early version of the company's low-cost electric pickup truck has been spotted in the wild. A Reddit user, u/discostranger09, posted a photo to the r/whatisthiscar subreddit on Wednesday, showing a small, dark gray two-seater pickup truck on a flatbed outside their office in the Los Angeles area.

The photo, first reported by automotive outlet The Autopian, has been confirmed to be the real deal by a person with direct knowledge of Slate Auto's vehicle design, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. According to this source, the truck is likely one of the concept vehicles the startup has created to show to potential investors, such as the controlling owner of the LA Dodgers, at its design studio in Long Beach, California.

The truck's design is simple and unassuming, with a grille that bears some resemblance to the modern-day Ford Bronco Sport. It also shares some similarities with the Rivian R1T, which is interesting given that Slate's head of exterior design had a short stint at Rivian before joining the secretive startup. However, the truck lacks any dramatic flourishes, which is reportedly by design.

As TechCrunch exclusively reported earlier this week, Slate Auto is attempting to build a business around the truck that involves selling it at a low price of around $25,000. The company plans to upsell customers on customization and accessories of a wide variety. Slate has filed for a trademark on the phrase "WE BUILT IT. YOU MAKE IT." and has mentioned something that sounds like a customization program called "Slate University" in job listings.

Another Slate trademark that has not yet been reported is for the phrase "Blank Slate." According to the person familiar with the company's design, this may refer to the base model of the truck before a customer chooses any customization options. It is unclear if the company has settled on a name for the truck, despite being a few weeks away from coming out of stealth. Slate Auto did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The emergence of Slate Auto's electric pickup truck has significant implications for the EV market, particularly in the context of Bezos' involvement. As the founder of Amazon, Bezos has a proven track record of disrupting industries and creating new markets. His backing of Slate Auto suggests that he sees significant potential in the low-cost electric vehicle space.

With its focus on customization and accessories, Slate Auto appears to be taking a different approach to the EV market than established players like Tesla and Rivian. By offering a low-cost base model and allowing customers to upgrade and customize their vehicles, Slate Auto may be able to tap into a previously underserved segment of the market.

As the company prepares to come out of stealth, it will be interesting to see how Slate Auto's approach resonates with consumers and investors alike. With Bezos' backing and a potentially game-changing business model, Slate Auto is certainly one to watch in the EV space.