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Business Insider
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
The $25,000 Slate EV that some are calling the 'anti-Cybertruck' appears to be off to a strong start
It's looking like the utilitarian Slate EV pickup truck has struck a chord. The Michigan-based Slate Auto, backed by Jeff Bezos, says more than 100,000 people have reserved one of its low-frills electric trucks in the three weeks since it launched. Those numbers aren't bad, especially for a fledgling company with little brand awareness. By comparison, Tesla's blockbuster Cybertruck launch in 2019 nabbed 250,000 reservations in less than a week (five years later, around 50,000 have been delivered, according to a March 20 recall filing), and Rivian reportedly pulled in more than 68,000 reservations in the first 24 hours after announcing the new R2 last year. Slate's ultra-customizable electric trucks are expected to start at $25,000 for models that eschew such niceties as power windows, a radio, and an entertainment system, with possible EV tax credits bringing the final cost to below $20,000. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026. Slate's more traditional, minimalist truck design, specs, and low price have some calling it the "anti-Cybertruck," and other automakers are also betting that car buyers are looking for something more practical — and affordable — than Tesla's sci-fi-inspired pickup. Look no further than the new (and rather awkwardly named) a $22,500 hatchback from Rivian and VW, which aims to prove that EVs can be both cheap and high-tech. The EV is expected to go on sale in Europe by 2027. The company hasn't said if a US launch is planned. "We would like to enable choice for customers, but without such severe compromise in terms of the overall experience," Rivian's Wassym Bensaid told Business Insider. Tesla, meanwhile, is working ahead on "more affordable" models of its cars, which it recently said are on track to be announced in the first half of this year. While Slate's 100,000 reservations indicate healthy interest in the lower-cost pickup, it's important to note that refundable reservations often don't translate 1:1 into sales, and final pricing for Slate's truck has yet to be announced. However, CEO Chris Barman said last month that there are a lot of people out there like her who are nostalgic for a simpler way to haul themselves and their stuff around. "My first car was a 1984 Ford Ranger pickup, with a five-speed manual, manual windows, and no air conditioning," Barman said. "It was basic transportation, but I loved the freedom it gave me to go places and do things."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian and VW's new $22,500 car proves cheap EVs don't have to be low-tech, the Tesla rival's software boss says
Rivian is teaming up with Volkswagen to make the German brand's cheapest ever EV: the $22,500 Its software boss told BI it's proof that cut-price electric cars don't need to be "low-tech." The race to build more affordable EVs is heating up, with Slate Auto recently launching a $25,000 electric truck. Rivian and VW are teaming up to build more affordable EVs, but that doesn't mean they're planning to skimp on high-tech features. The Tesla rival is partnering with Volkswagen to develop a $22,500 electric car, and Wassym Bensaid, the company's chief software officer, said the upcoming EV won't compromise on tech despite its ultra-low price point. VW and Rivian announced a deal last year that will see the German car giant invest over $5 billion in the startup and form a joint company to develop next-generation software and EV technology, with Bensaid and VW exec Carsten Helbing as co-CEOs. In March, VW unveiled the a compact electric hatchback that will be the first VW vehicle to include software developed by the joint venture. The 13-foot-long, four-seater EV is set to go on sale in Europe by 2027 for around 20,000 euros ($22,500). VW has not said whether it has any plans to bring it to the US. "It's something which is extremely close to my heart because it's a way to bring that technology into many more cars," Bensaid told BI. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't have low technology, and this is the beauty of the setup that we're enabling through the joint venture," said the Rivian executive, who spoke to BI on the sidelines of The Financial Times' Future of the Car conference. Bensaid said the affordable hatchback would leverage Rivian's software architecture to cut costs. Rather than use individual computers to control components like seats, lights, and doors, all the features will be handled by a central computer built on Rivian's technology, which Bensaid would allow VW to save money by using fewer parts and simplifying the design. The will not be the first vehicle to use technology developed by the Rivian-VW joint venture — that will be Rivian's R2, which is set to launch next year — but it is a huge step for both companies. A lack of affordable EVs remains one of the main reasons customers are reluctant to go electric, and VW is betting that its cheapest ever battery-powered offering will help fill that gap. They're not the only ones making that bet. Startup Slate Auto caused a stir last month when it unveiled a $25,000 pickup truck, which is set to go on sale in the US in 2026. The Slate truck has bucked the trend of vehicles becoming more computerized and packed with smart technology. The base model lacks power windows, a radio, and any kind of built-in infotainment system, with Slate's CEO telling BI that the company had focused on simplicity to keep the price as low as possible. So far, consumers haven't seemed that bothered by the lack of bells and whistles, with the Jeff Bezos-backed startup receiving 100,000 refundable $50 reservations in just two weeks. When asked about Slate's approach, Bensaid said Rivian welcomes more competition in the EV market but has made a "different choice" in how it approaches making electric cars more affordable. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't be cars with limited features," he said, adding that Rivian believed it was possible to deliver a "rich user experience" at a low price point by making vehicle technology more efficient. "That is our approach. We would like to enable choice for customers, but without such severe compromise in terms of the overall experience," Bensaid said. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rivian and VW's new $22,500 car proves cheap EVs don't have to be low-tech, the Tesla rival's software boss says
Rivian is teaming up with Volkswagen to make the German brand's cheapest ever EV: the $22,500 Its software boss told BI it's proof that cut-price electric cars don't need to be "low-tech." The race to build more affordable EVs is heating up, with Slate Auto recently launching a $25,000 electric truck. Rivian and VW are teaming up to build more affordable EVs, but that doesn't mean they're planning to skimp on high-tech features. The Tesla rival is partnering with Volkswagen to develop a $22,500 electric car, and Wassym Bensaid, the company's chief software officer, said the upcoming EV won't compromise on tech despite its ultra-low price point. VW and Rivian announced a deal last year that will see the German car giant invest over $5 billion in the startup and form a joint company to develop next-generation software and EV technology, with Bensaid and VW exec Carsten Helbing as co-CEOs. In March, VW unveiled the a compact electric hatchback that will be the first VW vehicle to include software developed by the joint venture. The 13-foot-long, four-seater EV is set to go on sale in Europe by 2027 for around 20,000 euros ($22,500). VW has not said whether it has any plans to bring it to the US. "It's something which is extremely close to my heart because it's a way to bring that technology into many more cars," Bensaid told BI. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't have low technology, and this is the beauty of the setup that we're enabling through the joint venture," said the Rivian executive, who spoke to BI on the sidelines of The Financial Times' Future of the Car conference. Bensaid said the affordable hatchback would leverage Rivian's software architecture to cut costs. Rather than use individual computers to control components like seats, lights, and doors, all the features will be handled by a central computer built on Rivian's technology, which Bensaid would allow VW to save money by using fewer parts and simplifying the design. The will not be the first vehicle to use technology developed by the Rivian-VW joint venture — that will be Rivian's R2, which is set to launch next year — but it is a huge step for both companies. A lack of affordable EVs remains one of the main reasons customers are reluctant to go electric, and VW is betting that its cheapest ever battery-powered offering will help fill that gap. They're not the only ones making that bet. Startup Slate Auto caused a stir last month when it unveiled a $25,000 pickup truck, which is set to go on sale in the US in 2026. The Slate truck has bucked the trend of vehicles becoming more computerized and packed with smart technology. The base model lacks power windows, a radio, and any kind of built-in infotainment system, with Slate's CEO telling BI that the company had focused on simplicity to keep the price as low as possible. So far, consumers haven't seemed that bothered by the lack of bells and whistles, with the Jeff Bezos-backed startup receiving 100,000 refundable $50 reservations in just two weeks. When asked about Slate's approach, Bensaid said Rivian welcomes more competition in the EV market but has made a "different choice" in how it approaches making electric cars more affordable. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't be cars with limited features," he said, adding that Rivian believed it was possible to deliver a "rich user experience" at a low price point by making vehicle technology more efficient. "That is our approach. We would like to enable choice for customers, but without such severe compromise in terms of the overall experience," Bensaid said. Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Rivian and VW's new $22,500 car proves cheap EVs don't have to be low-tech, the Tesla rival's software boss says
Rivian and VW are teaming up to build more affordable EVs, but that doesn't mean they're planning to skimp on high-tech features. The Tesla rival is partnering with Volkswagen to develop a $22,500 electric car, and Wassym Bensaid, the company's chief software officer, said the upcoming EV won't compromise on tech despite its ultra-low price point. VW and Rivian announced a deal last year that will see the German car giant invest over $5 billion in the startup and form a joint company to develop next-generation software and EV technology, with Bensaid and VW exec Carsten Helbing as co-CEOs. In March, VW unveiled the a compact electric hatchback that will be the first VW vehicle to include software developed by the joint venture. The 13-foot-long, four-seater EV is set to go on sale in Europe by 2027 for around 20,000 euros ($22,500). VW has not said whether it has any plans to bring it to the US. "It's something which is extremely close to my heart because it's a way to bring that technology into many more cars," Bensaid told BI. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't have low technology, and this is the beauty of the setup that we're enabling through the joint venture," said the Rivian executive, who spoke to BI on the sidelines of The Financial Times' Future of the Car conference. Bensaid said the affordable hatchback would leverage Rivian's software architecture to cut costs. Rather than use individual computers to control components like seats, lights, and doors, all the features will be handled by a central computer built on Rivian's technology, which Bensaid would allow VW to save money by using fewer parts and simplifying the design. The will not be the first vehicle to use technology developed by the Rivian-VW joint venture — that will be Rivian's R2, which is set to launch next year — but it is a huge step for both companies. A lack of affordable EVs remains one of the main reasons customers are reluctant to go electric, and VW is betting that its cheapest ever battery-powered offering will help fill that gap. They're not the only ones making that bet. Startup Slate Auto caused a stir last month when it unveiled a $25,000 pickup truck, which is set to go on sale in the US in 2026. The Slate truck has bucked the trend of vehicles becoming more computerized and packed with smart technology. The base model lacks power windows, a radio, and any kind of built-in infotainment system, with Slate's CEO telling BI that the company had focused on simplicity to keep the price as low as possible. So far, consumers haven't seemed that bothered by the lack of bells and whistles, with the Jeff Bezos-backed startup receiving 100,000 refundable $50 reservations in just two weeks. When asked about Slate's approach, Bensaid said Rivian welcomes more competition in the EV market but has made a "different choice" in how it approaches making electric cars more affordable. "Inexpensive cars shouldn't be cars with limited features," he said, adding that Rivian believed it was possible to deliver a "rich user experience" at a low price point by making vehicle technology more efficient. "That is our approach. We would like to enable choice for customers, but without such severe compromise in terms of the overall experience," Bensaid said.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volkswagen previews its €20,000 EV for everyone
As promised, Volkswagen unveiled its upcoming entry-level electric vehicle at an event on Wednesday in Wolfsburg, Germany. The automaker describes the concept car as a "smart, flexible and affordable" EV for the masses… as long as those masses live in Europe. The production version is expected to start at around €20,000 (US$21,583) when it arrives in 2027. The car joins the ID.2all and sport version of the in using Volkswagen's MEB modular platform, which is designed to be flexible enough to support everything from compact cars like the wee to bulkier SUVs. The company plans to roll out four electric models (including this one) based on the front-wheel drive version of the platform by 2027. In addition, Volkswagen says the will be its first model to run on a "fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture," which sounds like the fruit of its $5 billion partnership with Rivian, announced last year. The automaker describes the (unconfirmed but probably Rivian-based) platform as making the concept car more future-proof, allowing it to be "equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle." As a budget EV, its specs won't make your jaw drop but could still hit a nice balance point for price-conscious buyers. The concept car can reach over 80 mph (130 km/h), thanks to its 70 kW (94 horsepower) electric drive motor. Volkswagen rates it for a range of at least 155 miles (250 km). The compact EV is a mere 12.7 ft. long, placing it between the automaker's now-retired up! (11.8 ft.) and the ID.2all (13.3 ft.). The has room for four and a cargo volume of 10.8 cubic feet. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. As for its cute appearance, Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt said, "Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the 'smiling' rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to." If this sounds like the budget car of your dreams, well, you'd better live in Europe, or you're probably out of luck. Volkswagen describes the as being "from Europe for Europe," which sure doesn't like it translates to America-bound. You can get a better look for yourself in the gallery below.
