$24,950 SLATE Truck News & Info

[JASmith]

That's a fair point, and I guess it's a slippery slope to add things when the point was to delete everything off the blank model.

Only thing I would worry about a bit with the phone mount + bluetooth speaker solution is that it wouldn't automatically use android auto / carplay mode on the phone, which will lead to more distracted driving (counterpoint, many drivers already have their phone mounted on the dash for use).

Bluetooth speaker? I could see a bunch of people using inexpensive noise cancelling headphones/buds with these.

That said, rather than a phone mount, I could see people velcroing one of these android auto/carplay screens to the dash:

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[Administrator]

5 Star Crash Safety Rating goals being met in early crash tests says Slate Chief Engineer

 

[atomguy245]

Too basic for the price. You're better off with a Maverick. $27,500 base with crank windows and 150 miles of range? And only rear wheel drive at any price? By the time this Slate truck comes out there should be other options. Ford should have a smaller EV truck soon. There's the weird Telo EV mini truck that costs more but also is fully equipped. I wouldn't be surprised if Chevy came out with a EV truck based on the new Bolt EV. They've said the Bolt will come in multiple body styles.

 

[notfast]

Only thing I would worry about a bit with the phone mount + bluetooth speaker solution is that it wouldn't automatically use android auto / carplay mode on the phone, which will lead to more distracted driving

Soo....like anyone that drives a vehicle right now that lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?

Personally I hope more automakers follow the "Bring Your Own Device" mindset, at least for base models, rather than a massive proprietary screen that can get stolen.

Personally I would want an mod path to add a double DIN unit + regular speakers. I had the same Pioneer android auto unit in my Prius C for 7 years and it worked just fine.

After looking at the videos of the interior, it appears that it wouldn't be that hard to design and 3D print a double-din setup in the center storage cubby that is designed for the accessory Bluetooth dash speaker. It'd be right up the DIY-alley that they are promoting.

Could probably add a pair of 4" drivers on the outer ends of the front of the dash, which would arguably sound better than speakers in the doors by your feet.

Too basic for the price. You're better off with a Maverick.

I'm split. A base model Maverick is $29,285 after destination and has 5 passenger-seating plus a bed (no choosing between one or the other), can tow twice as much, and can be topped off with fuel in 5 minutes.

However, the Maverick will continue to cost more per mile to operate. If you have the ability to charge the vehicle for free or nearly free, then the Slate Truck will have much lower ongoing operating costs. And if you don't need the extra space or capability then you'd be paying more money for a vehicle that costs more to drive.

 

[zen_]

Soo....like anyone that drives a vehicle right now that lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto?

Personally I hope more automakers follow the "Bring Your Own Device" mindset, at least for base models, rather than a massive proprietary screen that.

We had that when the radio / infotainment system on most vehicles was a single or double DIN slot, although it would add complexity with speaker, power, iginition, etc. wires. Automakers did away with this on entry level vehicles so the tech had built in planned obsolescence.

If by some miracle this Slate truck comes to market near the advertised price and is a success, it would be nice to see other automarkers bring back simple, and maybe not drive the whole industry off a cliff.

 

[notfast]

We had that when the radio / infotainment system on most vehicles was a single or double DIN slot, although it would add complexity with speaker, power, iginition, etc. wires. Automakers did away with this on entry level vehicles so the tech had built in planned obsolescence.

If by some miracle this Slate truck comes to market near the advertised price and is a success, it would be nice to see other automarkers bring back simple, and maybe not drive the whole industry off a cliff.

I was more referring to BYOD as in like, bring your mobile device when you get in the car and take it with you when you leave. And if someone else borrows the vehicle, they can bring their device and have their favorites/apps/music/settings the way they like it.

The DIN standard was more like an ancillary accessory that, for all intents and purposes, is meant to stay permanently affixed to the vehicle, regardless of who is driving. Sort of like Jeep Wranglers TJs having bolt mounts to attach a set of Hella 500 or KC Daylighter fog lights to. The lights are meant to stay there once installed rather than taken with you each time you leave the vehicle.

 

[zen_]

I was more referring to BYOD as in like, bring your mobile device when you get in the car and take it with you when you leave. And if someone else borrows the vehicle, they can bring their device and have their favorites/apps/music/settings the way they like it.

The DIN standard was more like an ancillary accessory that, for all intents and purposes, is meant to stay permanently affixed to the vehicle, regardless of who is driving. Sort of like Jeep Wranglers TJs having bolt mounts to attach a set of Hella 500 or KC Daylighter fog lights to. The lights are meant to stay there once installed rather than taken with you each time you leave the vehicle.

No doubt they will get something figured out that isn't more complicated than it needs to be. Even a tablet mount with a BYOD tablet that links to your phone for carplay / android, and is hooked up to a speaker (cable or bluetooth) would probably be enough tech and audio for most people.

I'm actually laughing pretty good thinking back to the 1969 Landcruiser FJ-40 I had when I was 16 with a single DIN Kenwood head unit mounted in a DIY particle board console with some 6x9's behind the front seats for sound. 55 years later we're going to have a more modern version of that in a pickup that people seem to be pretty enthusiastic about...and I'm typing this next to a Scout EV ad that will probably be another $75k flop no one wants.

 

[Administrator]

Engineering deep dive: Slate chassis, body, battery, safety, suspension

 

[TheSEARCH]

Does anyone know what the price of slate is no options except 240 mile range battery?

 

[The Real Maverick]

I don't know why this looks like a toy to me.

vs. Honda in the same article

 

[Thoron99]

Looks like they found a way to get micro transactions in cars.

But seriously it looks interesting for a basic work/beater truck.

Having simple controls is a good thing, we have a relative who got a new Subaru like 6 months ago and they are “still trying to learn all the bells and whistles”.

Supposedly the entertainment system is one of the main warranty headaches for modern cars, so I can understand getting rid of it too.

 

[Fattdogs]

I reserved one. I need something that I can drive to work, but also be able to load drywall and plywood for home reno's. I'm ready for a simpler and more reliable car, and I love the idea of Slate being user serviceable and barebones.

My Maverick has been in the shop a total of 4 weeks since I've owned it (2 years) for recalls and warranty repairs, and the dealer is always out of loaners, go figure... I used to be team Maverick, but it just threw both CV Axels at 29,000 miles, that was the last straw, now I'm team anything else.

 

[gzebrick]

Federal law requires all new cars have a backup camera. So It does have to come with a screen. So far the pictures I have seen don't show a screen BUT do show a phone in a holder. I highly doubt a phone connected will meet this requirement assuming they have camera mounted in back. Not sure what size screen is required though. Could be a 2 inch screen, lol.

Still say if it was either gas or hybrid or even gas that charged battery like China BYD truck it would be much better choice. But if it sells great. Just not for me.

Backup camera display on main screen

 

[Cherokee]

My understanding is that the small speedometer/instrument cluster screen is also used to display the back up camera output .

The Slate wouldn't meet my current needs, but I bet it will appeal to a lot of people. My opinion is that EVs in all sorts of sizes and configurations will become a bigger and bigger part of the transportation landscape, and I'm glad to see companies (particularly American companies) trying lots of new ideas. Some of these ideas will turn out to be useful and commercially viable and will stick, others will be tried and discarded..The most important thing is that companies keep innovating

It will take 30 years if we start right now building the electric capacity to charge all our Nations electric cars.
They will stay on the edge of usefulness for some time to come.

Hydrogen was the way fifty years ago but big oil stopped that.
Everybody believes there is plenty of lithium.
There is not enough lithium world wide to make every car in America electric.
We need new battery tech.

We need Hydrogen tech.

Your dead right on “The most important thing is that companies keep innovating”

I won’t buy or ever need a Slate but if I lived in a big city I’d ant one.

 

[Scott Asheville]

Since this thread touches on small electric trucks (the Slate), I thought readers might be interested in this newly dropped video by Jay Leno - a huge classic car guru.

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