Slate Auto Selects Kenda Tire as Official Supplier for Affordable Electric Pickup

As Slate Auto moves closer to launching its highly anticipated electric pickup, the startup continues to build out the network of suppliers that will help bring its vision to life. One of the latest additions is Kenda Tire, which has been selected as the official tire supplier for the company’s upcoming electric truck. The partnership represents an important milestone for both companies and underscores Slate’s commitment to delivering an affordable, practical EV built around simplicity and customer choice.

Slate Auto has generated significant attention across the automotive industry by taking a different approach to electric vehicles. Rather than focusing on luxury features, large battery packs, or premium pricing, the company is developing a minimalist electric pickup designed to make EV ownership accessible to more Americans. The vehicle’s straightforward design and highly customizable platform have attracted interest from consumers looking for a practical alternative to the increasingly expensive EV offerings currently on the market.

Under the new agreement, Kenda will be responsible for researching, developing, and manufacturing original equipment tires specifically engineered for Slate’s electric truck. The partnership goes beyond simply supplying an existing tire model. Engineers from both companies have collaborated to create products tailored to the unique characteristics of the vehicle, including its weight, performance requirements, efficiency goals, and expected driving conditions.

For electric vehicles, tire selection plays a critical role in overall performance. Tires influence energy efficiency, driving range, ride comfort, noise levels, and handling characteristics. As a result, automakers are increasingly working closely with tire manufacturers to develop solutions optimized for EV applications. By partnering with Kenda early in the development process, Slate aims to ensure that its truck delivers the balance of durability, efficiency, and affordability that customers expect.

The agreement also highlights Kenda’s growing presence in the original equipment market. Founded in Taiwan in 1962, Kenda has built a global reputation for producing tires across a wide range of applications, including passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and industrial equipment. In recent years, the company has expanded its focus on supplying automakers directly, positioning itself as a competitive player in the evolving transportation sector.

Kenda KLEVER S/T EV Tire Designed Specifically for Electric Vehicles

As electric vehicles continue to gain market share, tire manufacturers are developing products specifically engineered to meet the unique demands of EVs. Kenda Tire is among the companies investing heavily in this growing segment, and its KLEVER S/T EV tire demonstrates how tire technology is evolving to support the next generation of electric transportation.

Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President Automotive Division at Kenda Tires, said: “Kenda is proud to be a partner with Slate, providing a our Klever ST-EV to compliment the value of this exciting truck.”

Unlike traditional tires designed primarily for gasoline-powered vehicles, EV tires must address a different set of challenges. Electric vehicles are generally heavier due to their battery packs, deliver instant torque that can accelerate tire wear, and operate more quietly, making road noise more noticeable. At the same time, drivers want maximum efficiency and driving range from every charge. The KLEVER S/T EV was developed with these factors in mind.

The tire incorporates a low rolling resistance design that helps reduce energy consumption, allowing electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge. By minimizing the energy lost as the tire rolls along the road surface, the design contributes directly to vehicle efficiency. For EV owners, even modest improvements in efficiency can translate into additional miles of range and lower operating costs over time.

Kenda also focused on durability. The high torque produced by electric motors places significant stress on tires during acceleration. The KLEVER S/T EV utilizes a reinforced construction intended to handle these forces while maintaining tread life. This is especially important as automakers introduce increasingly powerful electric cars, trucks, and SUVs.

A key part of the project is being supported by Kenda’s American Technical Center in Akron, Ohio. The facility serves as a hub for research and development, allowing engineers to work closely with manufacturers and develop products specifically tailored to customer needs. The collaboration with Slate demonstrates Kenda’s ability to support emerging vehicle manufacturers as they bring innovative products to market.

The partnership also reflects Slate Auto’s broader strategy of building a strong and resilient supply chain. As new automakers work to scale production, securing dependable suppliers becomes increasingly important. By selecting an established tire manufacturer with decades of experience, Slate gains access to proven engineering expertise while maintaining its focus on delivering value-oriented transportation.

Perhaps most importantly, the collaboration aligns with Slate’s mission of affordability. Every component selected for the vehicle must support the company’s goal of keeping costs under control without compromising quality or safety. Tires are among the most important parts of any vehicle, affecting everything from efficiency and performance to long-term ownership costs. Kenda’s involvement helps ensure that drivers receive a product designed to meet those expectations.

As production plans advance, the Slate-Kenda partnership offers another indication that the startup is steadily transforming its ambitious concept into a production-ready vehicle. If Slate succeeds in delivering an affordable electric truck to market, Kenda’s tires will be one of the foundational components helping drivers experience that vision every mile they travel.