Your questions answered AND 360 photos! (saw white Slate & met team members in Warsaw)

[Duke Slater]

Great job out there! Love that you planned so far in advance and got a lot of things answered. You’re a true hero, @evtruth

 

[KSCessnaDriver]

I too stopped by. Was happy to at least see the thing in person. I've got deposits in on both this and the Scout, and I think I'm leaning more towards the Slate now, even though it's less capable for what I need it to do.

 

[Garbone]

Great information.

On the drive motor, Ford sells them for $1600 with 281hp.

https://www.ford.com/product/eluminator-mach-e-electric-motor-p2813075963

Also have an Elocker setup on the F150. Could be like AMC back in the day sourcing drive motors from the big 3.

 

[sodamo]

Thanks again you guys.

As for some of the non answers. i think that’s to be expected in that your hosts were likely told what could be answered. And at this early point a non answer doesn’t mean Slate doesn’t have an answer.

 

[Luxrage]

Q: Is cab roof panel removable?
A: No official word on this. It appears the panel is removable, but there could be safety implications if it is removed by the owner. */**

I actually got an answer back on this one just recently after bringing up the question in that sunroof thread. Figured I'd ask them directly:

My direct question was "is the top roof panel on the slate pickup removable? I live in an area with a lot of tree/storm damage and would like to know if I can replace it myself if it gets damaged, as you can with Pontiac Fieros*

*Fieros are fully bolted on roof panels but I think the A pillars are bonded.

 

[craigsnedeker]

I love all the detailed photos, thanks! It's what I keep checking the forums for

Anyone know what the square cutouts are for on the rear bumper? Also with the armrest, does it flip up for storage?

 

[skidoofast]

I find it odd that they’ve produced over 70 units, designed the rear suspension, motor mounts, motor fit, ect but have not decided which motor they are using​

 

[skidoofast]

I love all the detailed photos, thanks! It's what I keep checking the forums for

Anyone know what the square cutouts are for on the rear bumper? Also with the armrest, does it flip up for storage?

probably to mount the spare tire mounting hardware as seen in the configurator

 

[Luxrage]

I find it odd that they’ve produced over 70 units, designed the rear suspension, motor mounts, motor fit, ect but have not decided which motor they are using​

At this point I'm hoping that they are still cross-comparing different drop-in motors and the final decision comes down to what motor mounts they need to start manufacturing. But it does concern me they don't have one finalized yet as well.

I'll be the first person kicked out of a Slate event for crawling under the truck when they aren't looking and see for myself!

 

[South Whitley Bulldog]

I love all the detailed photos, thanks! It's what I keep checking the forums for

Anyone know what the square cutouts are for on the rear bumper? Also with the armrest, does it flip up for storage?

Hey not sure about cutouts on bumper but armrest definitely pops open my son opened it up fair amount of storage below

 

[SlateModGarage]

I see a lot of room for aftermarket parts for this truck. The list is so long. I’m t can help create lots of jobs in USA. Thanks for the post.

 

[Blackspots76]

Alright folks, I got to meet more members of the team at Slate! Jimmy and a couple other team members (I feel bad I can't recall their names - sorry other Slate team members!!!!) were a HUGE help in answering some of your questions, though I'm hoping you won't be TOO surprised and/or disappointed to find out that there are many questions that are still unanswered because the truck is still in development. I did my best to relay these answers based on what I heard, so hopefully I did a good job and got the answers correct!

I think this was a different truck (the last one didn't have a wrap - but I thought I heard someone say it might have been wrapped for the parade today in Winona Lake, IN for the Independence Day / 4th of July fireworks), so I got more photos and even some 360 PHOTOS that I took with my Insta360 camera for you to check out!

HUGE thanks to the Slate team that was here today, they were VERY friendly and even took some notes when we started talking about some of the things I've see here in the forums that people didn't like, so folks... SLATE IS LISTENING, and if THAT doesn't excite you I don't know what will!!!

You've Got Questions, Slate Has Answers
Q: I'm very curious about the key and how it works. With the app on the phone is the key just an alternative means of unlocking/starting the truck? Will you need the key if you have the phone and vice versa?
A: At this time only a traditional key is planned. *

Q: With the open air kit, what about rain? Are there any drain plugs? Vinyl floor (or options)?
A: No official word on this. */**

Q: Do the mid-gate panels (both glass and metal) fold down or do they need to be removed completely when opening up the bed?
A: The cargo kit will allow you to keep the mid-gate lower section. The SUV kit is a different kit and will allow removal of both the upper and lower mid-gate.

Q: Does the back glass hinge upwards to open even when it's on the cab instead of on the back of the suv kit?
A: It appears the gate is "locked" in place, but there is no official word on this. *

Q: What is the process for conversion from manual to electric windows?
A: No official word on this. */**

Q: Is the SUV KIT a 2 man job?
A: This depends on the owner and their comfort with DIY. **

Q: Will the third brake lamp on the open air configuration still work?
A: The third brake light will transfer with the glass for the SUV kit. No official word on the open air kit. *

Q: Body panels are polypropylene - Is this material susceptible to uv damage? Does Slate recommend wrapping regardless?
A: Testing and validation is still in progress. Warranty info in the future will tell us more. *

Q: Does the vehicle come with ABS? Or only Automatic Emergency Braking?
A: ABS is a federal requirement.

Q: Are there any difference between the phone and tablet mount other than size?
A: The mounts are separate products. They are trying to create a "universal" mount for each (phone and tablet).

Q: Will there be a kit or pre-wiring for trailers?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: Will it accommodate trailer brakes or is it only a 4-pin connector?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: What “class” will the hitch be?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: On the left of the steering wheel, is there a slot for a speaker?
A: There will be a speaker mount option under the HVAC knobs. Additionally many of the dash panels are planned to be able to house storage and other components (including audio - speakers, etc). *

Q: Have you solidified what traction motor will be going in the truck?
A: The motors in the videos are what were used during development and may not be the same for every vehicle. The motor going in the production truck is still in development. *

Q: Is cab roof panel removable?
A: No official word on this. It appears the panel is removable, but there could be safety implications if it is removed by the owner. */**

Q: Tire and wheel size?
A: At this point it will be a "very common" size, but has not been solidified. *

Q: Any cabin plugs/ports with locations? Any 110v/USB/USB-Cs?
A: The only solidified plug is where phone will plug in. *

Q: Will there be underbody aero-panels?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: Where is the 12v battery, in the frunk?
A: Yep, in the frunk.

Q: Will it make a noise at low speeds or is it silent?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: Are there arm rests without the center console option?
A: No official word on this. *

Q: Might there be a bench seat option for the front?
A: Not planned at this time. *

* The truck is still in the process of development, so features can, and likely will, change.
** Slate will be releasing a “scale” that will define the difficulty for each upgrade. VERY cool idea!!!

Flippin' Sweet 360 Photos

• Truck Bed
• Interior
• Frunk

One of the questions asked should be "Why limit the towing capacity to 1000 pounds? It really should have a minimum 2000 pound towing capacity." (Note: I own a trailer with a 2000 pound load capacity)

 

[evtruth]

I love all the detailed photos, thanks! It's what I keep checking the forums for

Anyone know what the square cutouts are for on the rear bumper? Also with the armrest, does it flip up for storage?

I was going to ask about the cutouts, but forgot.

The armrest does flip up for storage, at least in this vehicle.

 

[evtruth]

At this point I'm hoping that they are still cross-comparing different drop-in motors and the final decision comes down to what motor mounts they need to start manufacturing. But it does concern me they don't have one finalized yet as well.

I'll be the first person kicked out of a Slate event for crawling under the truck when they aren't looking and see for myself!

I meant to get pictures of the underside yesterday, but as I started taking my 360 photos they had to take it away for the parade, haha. Sorry about that!!!

 

[evtruth]

One of the questions asked should be "Why limit the towing capacity to 1000 pounds? It really should have a minimum 2000 pound towing capacity." (Note: I own a trailer with a 2000 pound load capacity)

When we were talking about the truck Jimmy was asking questions and taking some notes, which excited me that even though Slate may not change some things, they ARE listening.

I made it very clear that one of the most talked about hangups I see in my social channels is the 1,000 lb towing capacity (my Model Y can tow 3,500 lbs and the Model 3 - a CAR - even just got a 2,200 lb tow rating), but people love that the payload is on par with some half tons. We'll see what happens from here. 🙂