Slate Auto raises $650M led by existing investor TWG Global, Mark Walter's firm ■ Jeff Bezos continues backing the startup targeting sub-$50K electric truck market ■ Funding comes as traditional automakers struggle with EV truck economics and profitability ■ Capital will accelerate production of Slate's affordable pickup aimed at fleet and consumer buyers Slate Auto just pulled off one of the biggest EV funding rounds this year. The startup building affordable electric trucks secured $650 million in fresh capital led by TWG Global, the investment firm run by LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter. The round signals growing confidence in the cheaper end of the EV truck market, even as legacy players like Ford and GM struggle with profitability on their own electric pickups. Slate Auto is betting big that America's truck obsession has room for a budget-friendly electric option. The EV startup just closed a $650 million funding round led by TWG Global, the investment powerhouse run by billionaire Mark Walter, who also owns the LA Dodgers. The size of the check suggests deep-pocketed backers believe there's a massive gap between Tesla's Cybertruck and more affordable options. TWG Global has been with Slate since early on, and Walter's decision to lead this round marks a significant vote of confidence. Jeff Bezos, who first invested through his Bezos Expeditions fund, also participated according to sources familiar with the deal. The Amazon founder's continued involvement underscores the strategic value investors see in cracking the affordable EV truck market - a segment traditional automakers have largely ignored while chasing premium margins. The timing is critical. Ford just reported its F-150 Lightning production is down 50% from last year amid softening demand for $70,000+ electric trucks. GM faces similar headwinds with the Silverado EV. Meanwhile, Tesla's Cybertruck remains plagued by production delays and quality