Since Slate Auto came out of stealth mode last week, the internet has been abuzz with speculation about the finer details of the ultra-barebones electric Truck, which is set to cost just $20,000 when it enters production next year — assuming our federal EV incentives are still in place by then.

Demand for electrified commercial vehicles is picking up, as Isuzu becomes the latest of many to announce electrified workhorses for next year.

With the average cost of a new car now edging closer to $50,000, the dream of affordable transportation is slipping away for many Americans. Basic, reliable vehicles—the kind that get you from point A to