Startup automaker Slate Auto has joined the growing list of electric vehicle manufacturers integrating with Tesla’s industry-leading Supercharger network. The Michigan-based company announced that its upcoming lineup of compact electric trucks and SUVs will feature the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, giving drivers access to Tesla’s 25,000-plus Supercharger stalls across North America when their EVs become available late next year.
Since Slate vehicles will come natively equipped with the Tesla-style connector—now standardized as SAE J3400—owners will be able to plug in directly at Supercharger stations without needing any adapters. The charging port is located on the driver’s-side rear corner of the vehicle, mirroring Tesla’s design, which allows for normal parking alignment and eliminates the need to take up two or more parking spots to plug in.
While the addition of Supercharger access is a major win for customers, the Slate truck and SUV are designed primarily as affordable, around-town EVs rather than long-range road-trippers. With a base 52.7-kWh battery offering lower than average driving ranges of roughly 150 miles (241 km) of range—or up to 240 miles (386 km) with the optional 84.3-kWh pack—Slate’s vehicles target urban and suburban drivers who typically charge at home.
According to Slate, their EVs will support DC fast charging at up to 120 kW, allowing a 20–80 percent charge in about 30 minutes. The vehicles will also be compatible with CCS1 and J1772 chargers through adapters, broadening charging options beyond Tesla’s network.
The 2-seat pickup and upcoming 5-seat SUV are expected to launch in late 2026, with starting prices projected in the mid-US$20,000 range. Although early estimates suggested that the $7,500 U.S. federal EV tax credit could have brought the effective price below US$20,000, that incentive is no longer available.
Still, Slate aims to position its vehicles among the most affordable electric options on the market. Customers can already place fully refundable US$50 reservations on the company’s website.
Will Slate Auto Be Coming to Canada?
Probably. Slate Auto has said it intends to come to Canada, but it will only happen after the U.S. launch. Launching a new automotive brand, and in particular an EV brand, is not for the faint of heart, so if the company is able to survive long enough, their EVs will eventually be offered in Canada, although there is no specific timeline for when this might happen.
