Without radio or screen, Jeff Bezos’s car is a tribute to common sense

One day, we will have to accept the fact that a €20,000 car cannot be very well equipped. But being well equipped might be enough.

Slate Auto is a startup from Michigan with among its shareholders Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon. The young manufacturer is shaking up traditional automotive standards with the Slate Truck, a minimalist pickup truck priced at only $20,000. But this remarkable price is explained by radical choices. While climate control and essential safety systems are present, the radio, touchscreens, or built-in audio systems are absent. This absence, far from being a flaw, is a matter of absolute common sense.

In the smartphone era, why double functions already available in our pockets? A simple Bluetooth speaker is enough to enjoy music or navigation. By removing these elements, Slate Auto not only reduces production costs but also simplifies manufacturing. The result: an unbeatable price and a pragmatic approach that could appeal to drivers tired of paying for unnecessary gadgets.

A Concentration of Common Sense

The Slate Truck focuses on essentials. With a decent range of 240 km, record interior space, a molded plastic body, and basic steel wheels, it stands out from premium models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, which costs three times more. Even Tesla, known for minimalism, offers its Cybertruck at $60,000, far from the initially announced $40,000.

For skeptics, Slate relies on a key feature: personalization. With over 100 accessories available, this pickup can be transformed into a four-seater SUV or an off-road vehicle according to needs. But above all, it redefines the idea of affordable cars. No compromises on interior space, but fewer unnecessary options, ultimately giving users more freedom.

Production, scheduled for 2026, relies on an innovative and minimalist strategy. No paint, no multiple configurations: an optimized factory to avoid the pitfalls that have led to the failure of many startups in the sector.

Slate Truck, with its revolutionary approach, raises an essential question: are we ready to trade superfluous features for efficiency and accessibility? At this price, the gamble seems more than reasonable.

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