With the Trump administration eliminating the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, you might have thought that Slate Auto’s sub-$20,000 truck ambitions would be dashed. And you’re not entirely wrong, the slate’s entry-level EV has now effectively become a mid-20-grand proposition after the company recently announced its pricing. While its $24,950 starting price is still admirable, that price doesn’t include an as-yet-undisclosed destination charge. Add that up, and realistically, the total should be around $27,000, which is a good chunk of the upstart’s initial claims.
However, you may still be able to bring the price of a slate EV below $20,000 through state incentives. California, Maine, Oregon, Connecticut and Massachusetts offer state credits and rebates that effectively bring the price of an entry-level slate EV down to $20,000, often with a very important caveat – you’ll need to qualify on income.
Through its Clean Cars 4 All program, California can pay you up to $12,000, provided you offer to scrap a working internal combustion vehicle, and your income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty line. If you meet the requirements, a Slate EV can be yours for an effective price of just $12,950 (which does not include destination, sales tax, and registration fees). The state also plans a $3,500 instant rebate for all first-time EV buyers, which could reduce the final amount even further.
Maine offers the next-best credit program (up to $8,000) to low-income people in the state, while Oregon’s flat $7,500 rebate comes as part of its Charge Ahead initiative that is currently on pause but is expected to reopen in the summer of 2026. And Massachusetts and Connecticut offer up to $5,000 – the standard $3,500 exemption in Massachusetts plus an additional $1,500 based on income.
