EV startup Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, has placed several concept versions of its electric vehicle (EV) on the streets of California in a marketing move that hints at the company's ambitious strategy. According to sources familiar with the company's internal discussions, Slate plans to sell a “Transformer”-like vehicle that will allow buyers to customize the vehicle extensively to their preferences. The company is set to officially unveil its strategy at an event on April 24 at Long Beach Airport, as indicated by an invite seen by TechCrunch. Founded in 2022, Slate Auto has largely operated in secrecy until recently. TechCrunch broke the news of Bezos' financial backing and revealed Slate’s plan to price its base model, the “Blank Slate,” around $25,000. The company also trademarked the phrase: “We Built It. You Make It,” emphasizing its commitment to customization. Recently, Slate placed a concept version of its truck in Venice, California, where it was spotted by The Autopian’s David Tracy. This version, designed to look like a two-door SUV, was branded with a wrap for a fictional business called “Rockabye Rides,” complete with a countdown website leading to the launch event. Reddit users also captured images of a hatchback variant of the truck, which bears a striking resemblance to Rivian’s upcoming R3 model. These sightings, combined with an earlier sighting of a two-door pickup truck in Long Beach, indicate that Slate's vehicle can be transformed into different shapes and sizes. The adaptability of Slate’s vehicle has been a key selling point during the company's funding rounds. Sources familiar with the pitches revealed that the startup’s leadership leveraged the “Transformer” metaphor to secure well over $100 million in Series B funding last year. Prospective investors were shown a generic version of the truck, then led to another room while a team quickly customized it. Upon returning to the first room, investors were greeted by a completely different-looking vehicle, showcasing the company’s innovative customization capabilities. These tactics seem to have paid off. Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter, who also owns the LA Dodgers, reportedly invested in the Series B round and joined Slate’s board. When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Slate Auto did not respond. The new photos from California provide a clearer glimpse of Slate’s truck exterior and demonstrate the potential for customization. However, the interior and vehicle specifications remain under wraps. Slate has briefed several automotive journalists ahead of the launch event, but they are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and cannot reveal specific details. David Tracy, one of the journalists briefed, described the Slate truck as unlike any new vehicle he has seen in his decade-long career as a car journalist—and even in his entire lifetime. This suggests that Slate’s approach to EV customization is truly groundbreaking and sets the stage for a highly anticipated launch event.