Olympia WA Slate Event @ Ember Goods Coffee (midgate passthrough confirmed & more info)

[cvollers]

I made a suggestion that they make a toolbox to go in the bed of the truck that replaces the rectangular panel that covers the footwell for the rear seats in the SUV kit. Make it use the same key as the truck, and bolt into the existing seat brackets under the panel. I'd 100% buy it as a way to keep spare tools and stuff secure.

Fantastic idea!

 

[PJC]

It was great to see it in person, I only had a few minutes, but stopped by well before the start time and the reps were already talking about it and answering questions, nice folks. Was also cool to see them “start it up” to move it the rest of the way into the reserved spot. The tail lights look good, and I still can’t get over seeing a “truck” moving that’s only sound is the friction under the tires.

I’m impressed with what they're doing, can’t wait to see how it evolves and refines in the next 18 months or so. I was a little surprised at the proportions of the truck itself, I had visualized something close to the 1990s Ranger single cab I used to drive, but this is definitely more boxy, stout and frankly (I think) cool looking. It looks like the perfect size for what I am after, and having modularity designed in is even better. I like the small bed, I very rarely need to carry sheets of plywood or anything like that, but a couple cargo straps would make that possible with this bed size. For smaller stuff like picking up flowers, buying furniture, or going golfing, this is just perfect.

Seeing it up close was worth it, I was interested before, now I’m 100%. Understanding it’s a prototype model, and that many changes and refinements will come along in the next year or so, I think they’re onto something great.

 

[slateya]

I saw that too. Thinking perhaps Munro video. You have to insert the dongle into a slot in the dash. I'd prefer to keep it in my pocket.

Physical contacts were confirmed and I am very happy with that decision. More secure than the current proximity via radio frequency. Hackers have amplified relay devices to steal cars now.

 

[Dorbiman]

I seem to recall an interview where an employee said you don't actually have to insert the fob, but I could be misremembering

 

[cvollers]

I seem to recall an interview where an employee said you don't actually have to insert the fob, but I could be misremembering

I remember seeing that too, however I really like the fob insertion requirement if it improves security of the vehicle.

 

[AZFox]

For anyone that goes to a future event, can you take a pic of the inside of the key fob spot in the dash? I’m curious if it’s just a simple pocket or if there’s any tomfoolery happening in there. I forgot to take a look today

"Secure Key Ignition Module" - Put your fob into the slot and it (somehow) passes a code in order to start the car.

Could be physically simple. You'd almost expect that, wouldn't you?

 

[Dorbiman]

Our ID4 has a key fob spot in one of the cup holders, but you don't have to put it there to operate the car. I assumed Slate is the same

 

[Garbone]

If the battery in our Ford FOB goes bad you can insert it in a slot under the armrest. Guess if in close enough proximity a RF Key does the trick like a credit card reader.

I would not mind this method at all, no moving parts of a real key with tumblers but still secure.

 

[Imhotep]

The Slate rep at the Seattle event said the FOB must be inserted into the dash. Cannot stay in your pocket.

 

[EverythingSlate]

Wow - love all the pics and super pumped at their innovative thinking to maximize usage, such as the 12x12 panel and deleting/lowering the traditional center console

 

[Adam W]

Seems like I'm the outlier on the key fob situation. This is the first bit of Slate news that really bums me out. You mean I need to fish my keys out of my pocket, and have my full keychain dangling from the dash swinging into my knees the whole time, then remember to put them back in my pocket when I get out? The crank windows are retro-cool. A physical fob you need to insert is retro-lame. Might as well be an old metal key at that point.

I guess I've just gotten soft with 10 years of walk up, hop in, press start, go. No keys or fobs to handle, everything just stays in my pocket.

 

[Adam W]

I saw a pic on my social media feed that the 2nd Olympia showing at Percival Park was the same Ember Goods livery. Still looking for pics of the one from this weekend's event in Cleveland if anyone finds some to post.

 

[slateya]

Seems like I'm the outlier on the key fob situation. This is the first bit of Slate news that really bums me out. You mean I need to fish my keys out of my pocket, and have my full keychain dangling from the dash swinging into my knees the whole time, then remember to put them back in my pocket when I get out? The crank windows are retro-cool. A physical fob you need to insert is retro-lame. Might as well be an old metal key at that point.

I guess I've just gotten soft with 10 years of walk up, hop in, press start, go. No keys or fobs to handle, everything just stays in my pocket.

I am sure someone will come up with a fob to insert and convert it to contactless.

 

[Tran]

Closeup photos by @ruly1000

Passenger side door hinge from above, hood was open, passenger door closed

Fluid caps under hood plus front depth, the caps were not labeled on this prototype

Emergency response electrical cutoff under panel on right side of frunk

Rear tailgate "spoiler", Slate employee said this was a removable piece of plastic on top of the gate "just for fun"

Closeup of windshield wiper arrangement

Closeup of radiator under the front

Closeup of steering wheel

Closeup of midgate

Closeup of passenger side door edge

Exposed HV electrical wires in right rear wheel well (prototype was missing splash guard here)

Rear tailgate down, small panel in tail gate was for camera and latch mechanism access

bed floor

Headliner

Interior and seats from passenger side

Closeup of roof wrap

Tire size 245/65R17