Slate Auto opens first ever test drive and experience center in Chicago

Jeff Bezos‑backed electric truck startup Slate Auto has opened its first brick‑and‑mortar “experience center” on Chicago’s Near West Side, at 1053 W Grand Ave. The former Tesla showroom was already set up with a small showroom, garage, retail space and NACS charging infrastructure, making it an ideal launch pad for the company’s entry into the Midwest fleet market.

Inside the center, Slate has focused on tactile quality. A heavy‑sprung door handle, a large steering wheel, manual seat adjusters, a tailgate latch and a charge‑port cover all feel robust and premium. The center console, though made of a shiny plastic, feels solid and almost basalt‑like, reinforcing the message that the vehicle is inexpensive but not cheap.

Although the author was not allowed to drive the truck, the test‑ride impressions were positive: the vehicle was quiet, smooth, and free of squeaks or rattles even on Chicago’s constantly under‑construction roads. A conversation with Slate engineers highlighted the company’s intent to use the same fasteners throughout the vehicle wherever possible, hinting at a future culture of 3‑D‑printed tuning parts.

Slate Auto’s compact pickup starts at $24,950 and offers 205 miles of range. The company will also offer a high‑roof cargo version of the vehicle. While the company’s long‑term success remains uncertain, the new experience center signals that Slate is becoming a tangible presence in the market.

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