Slate Auto, a three-year-old electric vehicle startup, has made its debut with a unique and affordable EV that's set to shake up the industry. The company's first vehicle, revealed at an event in Long Beach, California, is a manual-window, analog, and deeply customizable truck that's priced to sell, with a starting price under $20,000 after the federal EV tax credit.

The startup, backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is taking a different approach to the EV market, focusing on affordability and customization rather than advanced technology and autonomy. According to CEO Chris Barman, the auto industry has driven prices too high with its focus on autonomy and technology, making EVs unaffordable for most Americans. Slate Auto aims to change that with its debut vehicle, which promises to be a game-changer in the EV market.

The specs of the Slate Auto truck are impressive, with a base version that can squeeze 150 miles out of a 52.7kWh battery pack, powering a single 150kW motor on the rear axle. A larger battery pack option will also be available, offering around 240 miles of range. The truck comes with 17-inch wheels, a five-foot bed, and a projected 1,400-pound payload capacity with a 1,000-pound towing capacity. The front trunk, or frunk, offers 7 cubic feet of storage space, complete with a drain for tailgate parties.

What sets Slate Auto apart from other EV startups is its deep commitment to customization. The company will launch with over 100 different accessories that buyers can use to personalize their truck, from functional add-ons like infotainment screens and roof racks to cosmetic touches like light covers. The truck doesn't even come painted, with Slate offering wrapping kits instead, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle's look. This approach not only adds to the customization options but also cuts out a significant cost center for the company, allowing it to keep prices low.

The customization options are extensive, with buyers able to "transform" their truck into a roomier SUV form factor if they choose. The best part? These changes aren't permanent, and buyers can switch back and forth between configurations as needed, without requiring any mechanical expertise. Slate Auto will also offer a suite of how-to resources, dubbed Slate University, to help buyers install their add-ons.

Despite the challenges facing the EV industry, Slate Auto is taking a bold approach with its debut vehicle. The company has raised over $111 million in funding, with deep-pocketed backers like Bezos and Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners. With nearly 400 employees on board, Slate Auto is focused on domestic manufacturing and may be insulated from some of the turmoil facing other startups and established automakers.

As the EV market continues to evolve, Slate Auto's debut vehicle is a breath of fresh air, offering a unique blend of affordability, customization, and practicality. With its focus on the customer, rather than advanced technology, Slate Auto may just be the disruptor the industry needs. As CEO Chris Barman said, "We believe vehicles should be affordable and desirable... [our truck] is a vehicle people are actually going to love and be proud to own."