Kenda has been selected by Slate Auto as the official original equipment (OE) tire supplier for The Blank Slate, the company’s new electric pickup. The tire Kenda will supply is the KLEVER S/T EV, which the company says was developed specifically for the truck’s weight, torque, efficiency and durability requirements. Kenda announced the selection on Oct. 28.
We are covering the news for tire dealers and distributors who follow OE fitment and how tire makers are engineering for electric vehicles. This is a new vehicle program rather than a retail product launch, and the announcement is about the OE fitment.
An EV-specific tire developed with Slate Auto
According to Kenda, the arrangement goes beyond a traditional supply agreement. Engineering teams from both companies worked together to research, develop and manufacture a tire tailored to the truck’s weight, torque characteristics, efficiency targets, ride and handling requirements, and anticipated driving conditions.
Kenda says the KLEVER S/T EV was engineered specifically for this application. Its stated design features include:
Features intended to address the vehicle weight and instant torque associated with EVs
A low rolling resistance design to help maximize efficiency and driving range
Reinforced construction to support durability, handling performance and tread life
Development was supported by Kenda’s American Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, where engineers work with automotive manufacturers on customized solutions for emerging mobility platforms. Kenda has also been selected as the supplier for Slate’s accessory tire offerings, which it says will help customers personalize their vehicles while maintaining the performance, safety and quality standards set for the platform.
What Kenda and Slate Auto said
“As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Kenda remains committed to delivering innovative tire technologies that meet the needs of both manufacturers and its consumers,” said Jimmy Yang, Global President, CEO and Chairman of Kenda Industrial. “Our collaboration with Slate Auto represents an exciting opportunity to support a company that is reimagining electric mobility through accessibility, personalization and practicality. We are proud to contribute our engineering and production expertise with our EV-focused technology to help bring The Blank Slate to market.”
“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,” said Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of Automotive for American Kenda Rubber. “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.”
Timing and availability
The KLEVER S/T EV will launch as original equipment on The Blank Slate when the vehicle enters production in November 2026. Kenda says availability is aligned with Slate Auto’s production schedule. The announcement does not address replacement tire sales.
It is not the first time we have covered a tire maker supplying OE tires for electric vehicles. See our earlier report that NEXEN TIRE was named a supplier for BYD electric vehicles.
About Slate Auto
Slate describes itself as a new American company building vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love. Established in 2022, it says its business model is built on simplifying the manufacturing process. Its vehicles will be assembled at a factory in Warsaw, Ind. Slate says it will invest nearly $400 million in the factory, create more than 2,000 jobs in Warsaw and contribute up to $39 billion to Indiana’s economy over 20 years. More information is available at the Slate Auto website.
About Kenda
Founded in 1962, Kenda describes itself as a global leader in tire development and manufacturing. The company has more than 14,000 employees and factories worldwide, and its product offerings span the automotive, bicycle, powersports, trailer and specialty, and wheelchair markets. More information is available on the Kenda Tire website.
