ABC News Daily Can Bezos dethrone Musk with a cheap EV ute
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May 22, 2025 
Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy and The Driven, dives into the shifting dynamics of the electric vehicle market. He discusses how Jeff Bezos’s Slate, an affordable electric ute, could shake up the competition amid Tesla's declining sales. With 150,000 pre-orders, the innovative design and customizable features of Slate are revolutionary. Parkinson also explores the growing demand for electric utes in Australia, shaped by cultural preferences and government policies, hinting at a major shift in consumer attitudes toward EVs.
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Bezos' Low-Cost EV Ute Slate
- Jeff Bezos is challenging Elon Musk with a low-cost, bare-bones electric ute called Slate.
- The Slate truck focuses on simplicity and affordability, starting around $27,000 USD, much cheaper than Tesla's Cybertruck.
Slate's Minimalist Modular Design
- Slate offers a minimalistic vehicle without fancy features like screens or electric windows by default.
- The design is modular, allowing upgrades like electric windows or extra seating for higher prices.
Tesla's Low-Cost EV Promise Unmet
- Tesla has failed to deliver a low-cost EV despite long promises, with models priced above $40,000 USD.
- Bezos' Slate directly targets this Tesla weak spot: a competitively priced, US-made, low-cost electric utility vehicle.