Jeff Bezos Prepares to Counter Elon Musk's Tesla: Aggressive Strategy Initiated
Jeff Bezos' new electric vehicle startup, Slate Auto, sets its sights on Tesla
In a bid to challenge Elon Musk's Tesla, the much-anticipated electric car venture from the house of Amazon's founder, Slate Auto, has made its grand entrance with a reveal of its inaugural electric vehicles on social media. Led by ex-vehicle execs from Ford and Rivian, these cost-effective rides are primed to penetrate the market prior to Tesla's competitors.
A random video published on TikTok by an account called "The Mani Family" (followed by over half a million users) has been viewed over 1.6 million times within a few days. The humorous video showcases a pickup with a minimalistic design, covered in a whimsical "wrap" for a fictional company called "The Feline Therapist". This attention-grabbing stunt appears to be a clever marketing ploy by Slate Auto to pique the interest of the general public, particularly the younger demographic. Nonetheless, the video leaves many details such as the release date and pricing unanswered.
Slate Auto: Affordable EVs and Unmatched Customization
Slate Auto aspires to provide more affordable electric models, with prices anticipated to be under $25,000 in the US [1][2]. Given the discreet inception of Slate Auto in 2022 within the automotive hub of Michigan, it's no surprise other giants like Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and Toyota also call this place home [1].
To lower costs, Slate Auto may employ design elements from Rivian [1], while a sneak peek of the upcoming pickup showcases similar lines to those of Amazon and Jeff Bezos' other auto startup [1]. With the slogan "We built it. You make it", Slate Auto intends to focus on customization and flexible a la carte configuration for its electric vehicles to minimize expenditure and provide customers with an array of affordable options.
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Here's some intriguing inside scoop on the upcoming electric vehicle from Slate Auto:
- Release Date: Slate Auto hopes to unveil its first model by the end of 2026[1][3][4].
- Price: The base model of the new ride will start at below $20,000 after federal tax credits [1][5]. Exact pricing details before incentives are yet to be disclosed, although early reports hinted at a sub-$25k target [2].
- Customization Options:
- Modular Design: The vehicle can transform from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV using a DIY kit that includes the rear seats, roll cage, and airbags [1][5].
- Unpainted Body: The exterior finish can be tailored to suit personal preference [1].
- Accessories: Over 100 additional components, catering to practical and utility-focused demands [5].
- Interior Flexibility: No built-in infotainment system (users can mount personal devices) and manual windows [4][5].
- Battery Choices: 52.7kWh (150-mile range) or 84.3kWh (240-mile range) batteries are available [4][5].
By keeping basic features minimal, Slate Auto prioritizes affordability and adaptability for its buyers [1][4].
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Keywords:Electric car, Automotive industry, Jeff Bezos, Tesla, Customization,Affordability, Electric vehicles, Car Insurance Comparator.
- Jeff Bezos' new venture, Slate Auto, aims to compete with Tesla in the electric vehicle market, offering more affordable models with unmatched customization options.
- TikTok has been buzzing with a video featuring a Slate Auto pickup covered in a whimsical "wrap" for a fictional company, seemingly an innovative marketing strategy to attract a wider audience.
- Slate Auto's affordable electric vehicles are expected to have a base price of below $20,000 after federal tax credits, with a planned release date in 2026.
- In order to minimize costs, Slate Auto may incorporate design elements from Rivian and employ a modular design that allows for a DIY transformation from a two-seat pickup to a five-seat SUV.
- To further save on costs, Slate Auto vehicles will feature minimal basic features, such as no built-in infotainment system, manual windows, and the option for customers to mount their own devices.
