Confirmed: 4x4 all-wheel drive AWD is in plans for future Slate version!

[1yeliab_sufur1]

I asked the question of 4x4:

And this is Slate's answer:

... all-wheel drive is in the plans for a future version of Slate. It won't be available at launch, but we know how important it is for folks in snowier climates, on job sites, or looking for that extra traction.

 

[Dorbiman]

I'm curious if this is something that can be added later for early adopters. It would be really disappointing (and kinda shitty) if it can only be configured that way from the factory

 

[sodamo]

In my ignorance I have no clue what that would involve in an EV, but that would be great.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

I'm curious if this is something that can be added later for early adopters. It would be really disappointing (and kinda shitty) if it can only be configured that way from the factory

yah that would be shitty, but from the glimpses I seen of the front suspension it does have the room for the cv’s like the rear suspension has but it might require us as the end user to loosen some fronk space I bet

 

[GreatLakes]

If things continue as they are (tax credits), you might be better off buying the current blank Slate (RWD), and selling it to upgrade to AWD or 4WD Slate in the future.

Once your '26 hits two years old, it can be sold thru a dealer and get the $4000 used EV credit. Most of your customizations that don't add value can be pulled from the '26 and moved to the '28. (I don't think wraps are reusable? Anything else?)

The magic numbers for a used EV are less than $25K (no credit for over), and $12,900* (minimum amount to get full $4k. Maybe Slate could setup a dealership to facilitate this transaction, and only take a small percentage?

You could also switch to the bigger battery at that point, if desired.

(*) I'm not remembering the exact figure here, maybe 12,870? Don't feel like doing the math again,

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I'm trying to catch up on posts here. Haven't seen anything related to the tax credits. Detroit Free Press had an article a few days ago about the tax credit deletion not fitting with the budget reconciliation process. Basically the rumored deletion of $7500 and $4000 credits can't be passed without 60 votes. So must be dropped from bill.

 

[Letas]

That's good news. I imagine I will be too soon to get the AWD version, and will use my RWD as a long-term tester, speced to the minimum, and if I like it and still feel I need AWD, can upgrade 2-4 years later.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

In my ignorance I have no clue what that would involve in an EV, but that would be great.

For snowier place better traction if you get stuck or for soft off roading

 

[GraySlate]

I'm curious if this is something that can be added later for early adopters. It would be really disappointing (and kinda shitty) if it can only be configured that way from the factory

100% agree. AWD should be an item that can be added, if that can be done in an economically feasible way. Even if it was a $2500 option later, that would be acceptable.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

sorry for removing the post for my reply but from what I know as of maybe a week ago the bbb (big beautiful bill) is currently going through government hell with both sides not agreeing on certain things but we will see what next week brings since they wanted to vote on it I think on July 4 or before ever since Israel vs Iran started that’s all anyone’s been talking about plus the riots so seems the bill has fallen to the way side of public eye as of right now it seemed that’s anyone was talking about 4 weeks ago XD ahhhh I wish I was omniscient some times just to have all the information

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

100% agree. AWD should be an item that can be added, if that can be done in an economically feasible way. Even if it was a $2500 option later, that would be acceptable.

hmmm it depends on how they set it up I bet maybe we would need the bigger battery to maintain range if they go the all wheel drive route but if they have a switch to go from rwd to fwd I think that would be a more economical option, that way you could have the smaller battery and still get your self out of a situation you get stuck in. As for the price I guess it would depend on how much the motor is I bet they could make it affordable by well using the same motor and cv’s that are in the back

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Also just asked if it would be a upgrade or a separate option we will see if they get back to me on this

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Ok so answer no answer response from slate on the tow haul option

So curious on what they mean by haul unless they mean in the bed hauling hmmm

 

[sodamo]

For snowier place better traction if you get stuck or for soft off roading

Reading comprehension?
I was referring to how they might add the 4wd hardware to Blank Slate. I have had several 4wd/Awd cars and my last 4 trucks and 2 Wranglers. Oh, all my tractors and Mule also.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

lol then why didn’t you say that 🤣 and I guess they would maybe copy other compact designs for 4x4

 

[Sparkie]

This thread has many users posting strong negative concerns about Slate's lack of 4WD and their disappointment in Slate not offering 4WD. (Some users have even used foul language.) Therefore, I'm bracing myself for the negative feedback I expect will come.

No Slate 4WD? I say "Yay for Slate"! Yes, I am registering my gratitude that Slate does NOT waste time on 4WD design efforts.

The Blank Slate could have been front or rear wheel drive -- I don't care. As long as the Blank Slate does not force me into extras that I do not need or want -- such as, 4 doors, large infotainment console, luxurious interior, AWD, sunroof, hands-free driving, push-button parallel parking, or even a fancy paint job. (And yes, I do understand why Slate is RWD.)

I am an example from a market of frustrated auto buyers seeking that simple light utility vehicle that we can no longer get. (Please note: Many carmakers no longer sell any sedans or coupes in the US -- only SUVs and luxurious 4 door pickups.) I am not alone. I have many friends that have for years wished for a return to simpler vehicles. Slate knows me and my friends. I commend Slate's polite reply telling forum this Slate Forum users that Slate will not meet their 4WD requests nor many of the other design distractions from this Forum.

BTW, I DO live in a climate with long snowy winters. I learned to drive a RWD in slippery conditions. Furthermore, I have no intentions of ever taking my Slate off-roading.

There are 4WD electric SUVs available today. So if you seek an electric 4WD off-road vehicle, your wait is over. Go buy your eJeep today. No lines, no waiting. The dealership down my street has a bunch of them sitting on their lot.