Article: Ram CEO: Slate Vehicles Won't Be So Cheap Once Buyers Get Done Optioning Them Up

[Dorbiman]

This thing has as many truck capabilities as most modern SUVs.

I love small trucks don’t get me wrong, but it’s not like they’re more capable than anything else

I wouldn’t want to get a yard of bark in my Tahoe, that’s for sure.

 

[AZFox]

Let's presume Slate Auto delivers what's promised.

Low price provides marketplace power to incentivize sales.

Ability to have a Small Pickup Truck form factor is a marketplace superpower.

Simplicity, for example leaving out fancy electronics and Telemetrics Tracking is another superpower.

Ability to convert to an SUV at any time is rather powerful, too.

It's a unique proposition. Go Slate Auto go. 📈

 

[cvollers]

Late to this thread, but, I think he might be right.
Especially with slate saying that can hit the 20k target, incentive or not, that just means accessories will be more expensive. $5k for a conversion kit, $5k for an "extended range" (short range by today's standards) and you find yourself very close to Equinox EV range, or MY, etc.

Slate hasn’t quoted prices for anything other than a TARGET to be under $20K for the base Slate after federal incentives.

 

[AZFox]

Slate hasn’t quoted prices for anything other than a TARGET to be under $20K for the base Slate after federal incentives.

and something about $500 for a wrap kit.

Pricing of add-ons will be interesting to see. Here's hoping Slate Auto won't use a "razor-and-blades" strategy.

AI description of the razor-and-blades model:

The razor-and-blades model is a business strategy where a company sells a primary product (the "razor") at a low price or even at a loss to stimulate demand for a complementary product (the "blade"), which generates profit over time. This model is named after the practice of selling razors cheaply to promote the sale of replacement blades. The strategy is designed to generate reliable, recurring income by locking consumers onto a platform or proprietary tool for a long period. For example, Gillette sold razors at a low margin or even a loss, while making profits from the sale of disposable razor blades. The model is also used in other industries, such as coffee machines that use single-use coffee pods or printers that sell high-margin ink cartridges.​

 

[atx_ev]

This thing has as many truck capabilities as most modern SUVs.

I love small trucks don’t get me wrong, but it’s not like they’re more capable than anything else

The big things trucks can do that suvs cannot

1) spray to wash out sand, dirt, blood, etc Or dont wash it at all
2) can drop loads in the top like bulk mulch, gravel etc. 1400 pounds is a little light but sufficient for most home stuff. Anything more and you can get it delivered
3) can carry very tall stuff like refrigerators. I hauled a ping pong table a few weeks ago. I carry my bikes in the bed without having to take off a wheel.
4) can carry smelly loads without stinking up the cab.

 

[Duke Slater]

If the RAM CEO told me I was doing something they thought was wrong, I’d take that as the highest praise.

Slate should just be like “oh yeah? How’s the REV coming along?”

 

[cadblu]

FYI - RAM just announced a 10 year 100,000 limited powertrain warranty on its 2026 model line.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/ford-isnt-going-to-love-rams-new-warranty-offering

 

[Liontracks]

FYI - RAM just announced a 10 year 100,000 limited powertrain warranty on its 2026 model line.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/ford-isnt-going-to-love-rams-new-warranty-offering

Okay, the title of this article is somehow hilarious to me. I don't know why.

 

[inline_five]

FYI - RAM just announced a 10 year 100,000 limited powertrain warranty on its 2026 model line.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/ford-isnt-going-to-love-rams-new-warranty-offering

Still absolute POS though lol

 

[inline_five]

This thing has as many truck capabilities as most modern SUVs.

I love small trucks don’t get me wrong, but it’s not like they’re more capable than anything else

RWD and tows 1,000 lbs.

Not exactly the definition of utility lol. It comes off like a slightly larger golf cart. I drove a BMW i3, that is exactly how it felt as well. Neat car though.

 

[Duke Slater]

FYI - RAM just announced a 10 year 100,000 limited powertrain warranty on its 2026 model line.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/ford-isnt-going-to-love-rams-new-warranty-offering

That’s not even impressive. I remember the Hyundai Santa Fe having a 10Y/100K bumper to bumper in 2003.

Today, Tesla has a 150,000 mile warranty on their batteries and drive units, basically bumper to bumper except minor cosmetic things.

Everyone else needs to do better. We should be making forward progress in build quality, not backward.

 

[sodamo]

Powertrain is likely safest of warranties given the myriad of complexities not covered.

 

[danielt1263]

I'm in the camp that, if I can get a Slate spec'd to my minimum requirements for significantly cheaper than a competitor, I'm in. But if additions to make it a feasible daily driver lead to it being in the ballpark of something proven and with more creature comforts, I'd be silly to take the value that Slate creates.

I'm not in your camp, but I do agree with you that anybody who wants an SUV out the door will likely not get a Slate. I also think the cost will be too close to existing EV-SUVs that have four doors for it to make sense. If that's you, then I wish you well, but you would likely be better off with a Hyundai Kona Electric.