The New Slate Truck: No Frills, No Radio

The new $20,000 electric Slate Truck, backed by Jeff Bezos and other major investors, lacks a radio, touchscreen, or even paint, betting that cutting traditional dashboard features like AM/FM radio will save consumers money and resonate with demand for simplicity.

 
The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would mandate AM radio in all new vehicles at no extra cost, remains stalled in Congress with no vote scheduled. A loophole allows manufacturers like Slate Auto, producing fewer than 40,000 vehicles annually, a four-year grace period to comply if the law passes—unless they adjust their timeline or the bill fails. Notably, the legislation does not require FM radio. Media critic Jerry Del Calliano told Radio World that even a last-ditch industry effort may not preserve radio’s traditional dashboard presence.

The Slate Truck features a universal phone mount for a driver-supplied smartphone or tablet, embracing a “bring your own technology” model. USB power supports device charging for navigation, music, or other apps, eliminating the need for costly built-in infotainment systems. This approach reduces manufacturing complexity and passes savings to consumers. 

Jerry Del Colliano

Research, like the J.D. Power 2024 TXI Study, shows many drivers are frustrated with complex infotainment systems, preferring the simplicity of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Consumer Reports notes that mainstream brands with simpler setups often outperform luxury vehicles’ clunky systems, and a What Car? study found 90% of drivers favor physical buttons over touchscreens for safety and ease.

The Slate Truck’s minimalist design taps into driver dissatisfaction with overly complex dashboards. Automakers like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford have already dropped AM radio from some electric vehicles, citing interference from electric drivetrains, while Mazda and Volvo have reduced AM availability. Eliminating traditional radio cuts costs, simplifies electronics, and prioritizes features like smartphone integration that drivers increasingly prefer.

What It Means

The Slate Truck’s approach signals a broader industry shift away from traditional car radios, despite political efforts to preserve them. The real threat isn’t just the physical removal of radios but their growing irrelevance as consumer habits shift toward streaming and smartphone-based systems. Del Calliano argues that radio stations should focus on staying relevant through compelling content rather than cutting personalities or local programming.