Introductions & Welcome Thread 👋

[AZFox]

Apparently, "keyless go" is already standard, and that's just dumb - an answer to a problem that nobody had.

The Truck will have a not-so-dumb "Secure Key Ignition Module" where you insert the key fob into a slot in the dashboard.

 

[KevinRS]

The Truck will have a not-so-dumb "Secure Key Ignition Module" where you insert the key fob into a slot in the dashboard.

Which, depending on how they implement it could be more secure than a standard key with a chip in it that most cars have, and it eliminates some moveable breakable parts. I know it's not a huge percentage, but ignition switches break, and keys wear down enough that you need a new one cut.

 

[AZFox]

This AI Overview describes the Secure Key Ignition Module pretty well, assuming it's not hallucinating.

The Secure Key Ignition Module is a proprietary security feature of the Slate Truck designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and starting. Unlike conventional push-to-start systems or traditional keyed ignitions, this system requires the driver to insert the key fob into a dedicated slot on the dashboard to start the vehicle. Once inserted, the fob passes a secure electronic code to the vehicle’s control system, enabling the motor to engage.​

​

This design was intentionally chosen by Slate Auto to balance affordability with high security, ensuring that even at a lower price point, the vehicle does not compromise on theft protection.​

Here's a Chris Barman quote from this article
https://sherwood.news/tech/slate-au...lls-us-how-exactly-its-making-a-usd25-000-ev/

We also wanted to be thoughtful about safety and security. We spent actually a lot of time as a team talking about how the most economical that you could get is a bladed key. Walk up, put it in, turn it.​

​

But we had this discussion, myself and other members of the team, about as a single female at night in a dimly lit parking lot, I would not feel safe. There’s a twofold reason we did the fob. One is from the security perspective: you can unlock it from the remote. It lights up, and you can see everything’s safe and secure. We also have a secure key ignition module through that — you put the fob into a slot and through that, it passes a code in order to start the car. We didn’t want people to think, “Well, if it’s affordable, was it not secure?”​

If the fob-as-a-key system works reliably it's a brilliant idea.

I also like the idea of pressing a button on the fob to initiate bringing the battery to operating temperature.

 

[Zorba]

I also like the idea of pressing a button on the fob to initiate bringing the battery to operating temperature.

I'd just as soon not even have a fob, but I could certainly live with one. Sure beats needing a smartphone!