Slate Auto Opens New Chicago Experience Center
The facility on Grand Avenue occupies a site formerly used as a Tesla store to showcase new electric vehicle options.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Slate Auto has officially opened its first experience center in the Near West Side neighborhood of Chicago. The new facility, located on Grand Avenue, features a showroom, garage, and retail space designed for vehicle displays and test drives.
Why it matters
The company selected this location because of its existing infrastructure and established history of drawing interest from local electric vehicle buyers. Slate Auto intends for its upcoming vehicle offering to be the most affordable new model available in America.
The new center is equipped with NACS EV charging stations and utilizes the existing layout of the former dealership to provide dedicated space for customer vehicle displays and test drives.
The players
Slate Auto
This automotive company is expanding its physical presence to increase accessibility for electric vehicle buyers.
Tesla
This prominent electric vehicle manufacturer previously operated the Grand Avenue location where the new center is now situated.
The details
Slate Auto repurposed the former Tesla location to minimize construction needs while leveraging a proven site for EV demand. The facility is fully outfitted to support the company's electric vehicle lineup and customer service operations.
Timeline
The Chicago experience center opened its doors on October 15, 2026.
Roadmap
This opening represents a strategic effort by Slate Auto to gain market share by utilizing existing charging-ready infrastructure in established EV hubs. The shift highlights a trend where newer manufacturers bypass long development cycles by repurposing legacy retail footprints from established industry rivals.
Local Chicago residents and prospective buyers gain immediate access to test drive the company's latest vehicle offerings at a familiar retail location. The facility also provides NACS charging compatibility for current owners who need to utilize standardized charging ports.
The takeaway
Slate Auto is positioning itself for growth by leveraging established retail spaces to reach potential electric vehicle customers. Buyers should monitor local dealership inventory and pricing updates to see how the brand's affordability claims translate to retail costs.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of zero-emission transit, visit the Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrek.
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