Update: Ford's EV 'Model T moment' Announced

[AZFox]

Also, knowing that the service and parts department is often the largest revenue stream for most of the legacy automaker's dealerships tells you something about how they build their vehicles.

Now they can get revenue by charging you monthly to keep features unlocked.

 

[Dorbiman]

Now they can get revenue by charging you monthly to keep features unlocked.

This is actually one of the biggest things I like about the Slate Truck, from what I understand at this point. I'd like to pay cash for a vehicle and know that I own it and everything related to it in perpetuity. I don't want to have to pay a yearly subscription for app access (Ford, VW, many others), heated seats (BMW), advanced Travel Assist (VW), etc., etc.

If Slate says that I have to pay a subscription for the Slate App, I'm probably out.

 

[AZFox]

If Slate says that I have to pay a subscription for the Slate App, I'm probably out.

Unfortunately someone posted a reply from a Slate agent that hinted about them potentially doing just that. Not the app itself, but features within it.

 

[Dorbiman]

How unfortunate. Really hoped that Slate Auto would buck the trend.

 

[AZFox]

How unfortunate. Really hoped that Slate Auto would buck the trend.

Hear, hear!

I added the question to my List Of Slate Truck Questions. The list is already 12 questions and I just created it a few days ago!

 

[Charliegti]

"Midsized" - no thanks.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Too bad it is not this year, since the Model T pickup didn't arrive until 1925.

damn missed opportunity’s and marketing imagine how wild people would go like “it’s been a 100 years in the making but now we introduce fords new all electric model t” like damn

 

[Imhotep]

damn missed opportunity’s and marketing imagine how wild people would go like “it’s been a 100 years in the making but now we introduce fords new all electric model t” like damn

Folks could have gotten a Studebaker EV in 1902:

Studebaker hated gasoline autos because they were “smelly and noisy,” and resisted going with petrol until the market settled on it. This one could go 80 miles on a charge. Imagine where we’d be now if this idea won out.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Folks could have gotten a Studebaker EV in 1902:


Studebaker hated gasoline autos because they were “smelly and noisy,” and resisted going with petrol until the market settled on it. This one could go 80 miles on a charge. Imagine where we’d be now if this idea won out.

ahhh so many have come and gone but the idea never dies

 

[Daemoch]

Imagine if Ford tried this again: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger_EV

It's the only thing I can think of that would give Slate a run for it's money.

Chevy S10 did the same thing.

 

[KevinRS]

Unfortunately someone posted a reply from a Slate agent that hinted about them potentially doing just that. Not the app itself, but features within it.

I'm not sure what features the app would have that would be worth a specific subscription. Most things you'd want to do there are other, mostly free apps.

 

[Dorbiman]

I'm not sure what features the app would have that would be worth a specific subscription. Most things you'd want to do there are other, mostly free apps.

I’m really hoping not. It seems like the truck won’t have any embedded connectivity or telematics. It seems to all be done through the phone. Most of the app subscriptions that I’ve seen are for things that require a cellular connection

 

[sodamo]

This is actually one of the biggest things I like about the Slate Truck, from what I understand at this point. I'd like to pay cash for a vehicle and know that I own it and everything related to it in perpetuity. I don't want to have to pay a yearly subscription for app access (Ford, VW, many others), heated seats (BMW), advanced Travel Assist (VW), etc., etc.

If Slate says that I have to pay a subscription for the Slate App, I'm probably out.

I have no desire for any vehicle that involves a subscription. That would kill my Slate interest faster than price.

 

[KevinRS]

I have no desire for any vehicle that involves a subscription. That would kill my Slate interest faster than price.

From what they have said, a subscription wouldn't be required. Even a phone won't be required just to drive around. The app will be free, potentially the app may have some features that are enabled by a subscription, but I haven't thought of any that would make sense.
Question for current EV owners out there: What if any features are enabled on your cars with a subscription?

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

Imagine if Ford tried this again: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Ranger_EV

It's the only thing I can think of that would give Slate a run for it's money.

This was what I was going to Replace my ICE Ranger with. I had an associate that worked at Ford R/D on the batteries. At first it sounded great, but kept getting pushed back. Then I heard the whole project was canceled and the Ranger line discontinued. Only trust what you can see and touch. The auto business is full of...promises.