Supplying accessory tyres as well as factory fit ties Kenda to the personalisation that Slate Auto has made central to its pitch
Kenda will fit tyres to The Blank Slate, Slate Auto’s electric pickup, from the start of production in November 2026. Its Klever S/T EV tyre was developed with Slate’s engineers around the truck’s weight, torque, ride and range targets, and Kenda will also supply the accessory tyres offered with the vehicle.
A low rolling resistance design is meant to stretch driving range, while reinforced construction copes with the extra mass and instant torque of an electric drivetrain. Engineers at Kenda’s technical centre in Akron, Ohio, supported the work.
Slate has built its pitch around affordability, simplicity and personalisation, so the accessory deal links Kenda to the customisation side of the business as well as the factory fit. Locking in a tyre supplier also closes one more gap in Slate’s supply chain weeks before output begins.
In a statement, Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of Automotive for American Kenda Rubber, said: “This partnership reflects Kenda’s continued growth in the original equipment automotive market and our ability to develop purpose-built solutions for next-generation vehicles. The KLEVER S/T EV was designed to address the specific challenges EVs present, from increased vehicle weight and instant torque to efficiency and ride comfort requirements. Working alongside Slate throughout the development process has allowed us to create a tire solution that complements the vehicle’s performance while supporting its affordability and personalization goals.”
Source: PR Newswire
