EV manufacturer Slate wins $5-million grant to expand its Michigan HQ

Slate Auto, a promising electric vehicle manufacturer, has secured a $5 million performance-based grant from the Michigan Business Development Program to support the expansion of its North American headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Since its establishment in 2022, the company has gained attention for its ambition to produce an affordable electric pickup truck. The grant forms part of a broader $10.4 million capital investment aimed at enhancing Slate’s operations and workforce in the state. Currently, Slate employs 325 people across its Troy headquarters and a facility in Sterling Heights. The expansion project is expected to generate at least 392 new jobs over the next five years, covering corporate, engineering, and design roles. This growth reflects Slate’s commitment to scaling up production capabilities and tapping into Michigan’s established automotive talent pool and industry ecosystem. Slate’s CEO, Peter Faricy, emphasised the significance of the state’s support in realising the company’s vision of delivering affordable electric vehicles. He acknowledged the strategic advantage of Michigan’s skilled workforce and automotive infrastructure in facilitating Slate’s development. The company has already amassed over 150,000 reservations for its electric pickup truck, signalling strong market interest ahead of planned deliveries scheduled for late 2026. This investment and expansion underline Michigan’s ongoing role as a hub for automotive innovation, particularly in the electric vehicle sector. Slate’s growth contributes to the state’s economic development goals while advancing the broader transition towards electrification in the US automotive market. The company’s progress will be closely watched as it moves closer to production and delivery milestones in the coming years.