Automakers Explore Stripping Down Features to Cut EV Costs

Dodge and Slate are considering removing radios, power windows, and other creature comforts to make EVs more affordable.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:54pm

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An abstract, colorful image of an electric vehicle in motion, with blurred lines and shapes conveying a sense of speed and energy.As American automakers struggle to make affordable EVs, their efforts to strip down features raise questions about the future of the electric vehicle market.NYC Today

American automakers like Dodge and Slate are exploring a 'less-for-less' approach to making EVs more affordable, considering removing features like radios, power windows, and digital gauges. This comes as Chinese EV makers are able to deliver well-equipped, affordable models, putting pressure on domestic brands to compete on price. However, some lawmakers are warning against allowing Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market, citing national security concerns.

Why it matters

This strategy highlights the challenges American automakers face in bringing cheaper EVs to market, as they struggle to compete with the manufacturing costs and supply chain advantages of Chinese competitors. It raises questions about how far automakers can go in stripping down features before losing consumer interest, and the potential political fallout if Chinese EVs are allowed to enter the U.S. market.

The details

Dodge CEO Matt McAlear has floated the idea of a 'back-to-basics' vehicle that removes features like radios and digital gauges, while newcomer Slate has pitched a stripped-down electric truck. This 'less-for-less' approach is an attempt to hit lower price points and compete with the affordable EVs coming from China. However, as inflation has risen and EV tax credits have expired, the target price points have become more challenging. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are able to deliver well-equipped EVs at low prices by leveraging scale, software-defined architectures, and battery chemistry advancements.

  • Earlier this year, President Donald Trump invited Chinese automakers to build in the U.S., but with requirements attached.
  • Last week, Republican Senator Bernie Moreno said he will propose legislation to prevent Chinese cars from ever entering the U.S. market.
  • Democratic Senators have also issued warnings about the potential national security and economic risks of allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S.

The players

Dodge

A legacy American automaker exploring a 'back-to-basics' approach to making more affordable EVs.

Slate

A newcomer brand that has pitched a stripped-down electric truck as an affordable EV option.

Matt McAlear

The CEO of Dodge, who has floated the idea of removing features like radios and digital gauges to cut costs.

Bernie Moreno

A Republican Senator who plans to propose legislation to prevent Chinese cars from entering the U.S. market.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senate Minority Leader, who has warned about the economic and national security risks of allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“I think the biggest thing that we need to start doing is challenging the industry on what the expectations are from an entry-level base vehicle. And I don't mean that from the word cheap or less—I mean that from that of 'back-to-the-basics.' Analog gauges. Do you need a radio? Do you just have speakers that you Bluetooth to?”

— Matt McAlear, CEO, Dodge

“[T]here's never a scenario where a Chinese automobile will enter our market, that's hardware, that's software, that's partnerships.”

— Bernie Moreno, Republican Senator

“We must be clear-eyed that inviting China's automakers to set up shop in the United States would confer an insurmountable economic advantage impossible for American automakers to overcome, and it would trigger a national security crisis that could never be reversed.”

— Chuck Schumer, Democratic Senate Minority Leader

What’s next

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The takeaway

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