The first thing you notice about the Slate Truck is its size. It’s small, surprisingly so. In a country where trucks often come with their own zip code, Slate’s pickup is refreshingly puny, measuring just under five metres long.

According to Tisha Johnson, head of design at Slate, this diminutive truck belies an interior that offers ample amounts of head- and legroom. As someone who often feels cramped in most vehicles, I found the amount of space in such a small truck quite surprising.

The emphasis on spatial comfort aligns with the startup’s broader design philosophy of usability and accessibility. But is this approach too minimal for its own good? A two-seater electric pickup with no paint, no radio, and no power windows — who is this for?

After sitting in the truck for just a minute, I was swayed by Slate’s approach to minimalism, which is more focused on utility, affordability, and choice. The truck’s design philosophy allows customers to do the customizing with accessories and aftermarket kits.

This commitment to minimalism will lead to some significant tradeoffs, such as a less aerodynamic shape that makes it harder to maximize range. However, Slate hopes that this focus on affordability and customer customization can attract a wider audience.