4 Fresh Facts From Rich Rebuilds- Everything Slate Episode 2

[KevinRS]

If AWD/4x4 is a dealbreaker, then don't worry about slate for now, check back after launch or if you see an announcement that it's available as an add on, which seems unlikely before launch.

 

[AZFox]

Arguing about other people needing/not needing features is a fruitless venture.

Like I wrote before, I fully understand.

Confirmation Bias is a thing.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that supports one's existing beliefs while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence. This bias can lead to flawed decision-making and reinforce personal beliefs, even in the face of opposing information.​

I don't claim to be immune.

 

[slateya]

You’re ignoring the motor shaped hole that exists under the frunk. I think time has already been spent developing it, even if it IS for a future platform.

Keeping options open by leaving a space to install a front motor is very different from engineering an entire AWD system that requires motor, cables, controls, software, etc.

Edit: spelling and adding driveshafts and cooling.

 

[brian10x]

Keeping options open by leaving a space to install a front motor is very different and far cheythan engaging an entire AWD system that requires motor, cables, controls, software, etc.

cheythan?

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

No apostrophe required for plural ie: "batteries"

Forum grammar police!

That one wasn’t me this time blame iPhone lol

 

[brian10x]

That one wasn’t me this time blame iPhone lol

You kids and your cell phones! (angry old man curing at the clouds!)

 

[Trace26]

Arguing about other people needing/not needing features is a fruitless venture. Especially when we are talking about trucks, which are the most "overpurchased" segment in comparison to need in America.

If a consumer determines AWD/4x4 is a dealbreaker for them, it is a need to them. Plain and simple.

While I can agree that people can want whatever they want and decide for themselves if that want is a deal breaker or not. But that doesn't make it a need, that's not how the word need works in the context. It's okay to want something just because you want it.
It's Cognitive dissonance to take something you unequivocally don't need, but tell yourself that you do need, in order to justify your decision.
If you let Congestive Dissonance rule you then you have no control over your own thoughts and actions.

"Know thyself" - Socrates

Okay, my philosophical tangent is over.

 

[brian10x]

While I can agree that people can want whatever they want and decide for themselves if that want is a deal breaker or not. But that doesn't make it a need, that's not how the word need works in the context. It's okay to want something just because you want it.
It's Cognitive dissonance to take something you unequivocally don't need, but tell yourself that you do need, in order to justify your decision.
If you let Congestive Dissonance rule you then you have no control over your own thoughts and actions.

"Know thyself" - Socrates

Okay, my philosophical tangent is over.

I really, really like your thought process. I don't think I could possibly have expressed that better, and I agree 100%.

As I get older, my "needs" all center around making my life simpler. A simple life is my daily mantra. And Mr. Slate fits the bill extremely well.

Now if only it had a carburetor!

 

[BeachHead]

Interesting reading the multiple discussions about RWD vs. AWD, need vs. want, etc. I don't think Slate is at all ignorant of the fact that there is a market for 4WD/AWD in the pickup truck world. Every manufacturer offers some variant with that capability, so you don't even need a focus group to tell you that is a winning product variant. And I don't doubt that Slate does have plans at some point to offer that capability.

The thing being bandied about is that "some point". Slate is a start up, and it needs to get "something" on the market, prove itself and it's processes, and stake out a tiny corner of the market to allow it to grow in size and product line up. So starting with the version with the least complexity and parts count is very smart, as with anything, you have to have the basic fundamentals down in order to expand.

As you're accomplishing that, you can iron out the details, and perfect the next big thing...likely 4WD/AWD. This isn't rocket science and even the well established manufacturers do something similar (if we ignore the marketing aspect of the strategy, which is another discussion) As an example, look at the Corvette C8. They started out with the baseline, developed other driveline configurations, and as the product matured, added those new configurations to the mix, with the AWD version coming along about 4 years after launch. I don't know the timing, but I don't think it's absurd to think Slate might take a similar path.

So I think those that want/need AWD are just going to have to wait a bit longer, and for good reason. Of course everyone needs/wants what they want, when they want it, but if this is in fact Slates longer term plan, I don't think they should be faulted for their approach.

 

[AZFox]

I read this book when it came out. It's an eye-opener! Turns out self-delusion is everywhere you look -- and even places you don't look.

There's also a podcast with all 316 episodes available for listening. The early episodes cover the basics. The the content is brilliantly produced and chock-full of interesting behavioral insights.

Overcoming cognitive biases is easier to accomplish when you know what those biases are.

 

[EverythingSlate]

I read this book when it came out. It's an eye-opener! Turns out self-delusion is everywhere you look -- and even places you don't look.

There's also a podcast with all 316 episodes available for listening. The early episodes cover the basics. The the content is brilliantly produced and chock-full of interesting behavioral insights.

Overcoming cognitive biases is easier to accomplish when you know what those biases are.

Adding to the top of the list

 

[brian10x]

Thank you for the book suggestion! I just ordered a copy on Amazon. 47% off right now!

 

[SLATEchad]

You all make a good point. The entire thought process would be in my mind is not also AWD functionality but would this also increase towing capacity? From a fleet vehicle standpoint that would definitely increase usability. My friend cancelled his order due to the low tow rating. I understand there’s more to tow ratings outside of motors but it’s a thought.

I’m not an engineer, but with the limited knowledge I have in regards to towing, I think the short wheelbase is maybe one of the most limiting factors here, that and maybe the design of the frame. It has a decent payload, so it seems to be fairly strong, but maybe it has to do with the framing at the rear end not being built for it? I imagine the motors and battery could handle it and that they are not the big limiter here. Maybe the cooling systems are also limiting. Again, I could be wrong and would be curious to get the opinion of a Slate engineer. I don’t know if the reps at the in person events would know the answer to this, but I may try to ask if I can at the Denver event.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

I think a really good insight into AWD vs RWD isn't really whether you or I want one. It's looking at what is getting purchased by the greater public at large. Vehicles are often about wants, not needs.

To illustrate what I mean, you can go to Cars.com and ask to see all new Mavericks listed for sale nationwide. A whole lot of those (actually, probably the majority because Mavericks are still backordered by many months) are actually customer-ordered cars, because the Ford dealer inventory system doesn't differentiate between customer orders and dealership orders. Then look at the ratio of FWD to AWD.

Granted, that's an imperfect example. Slate <> Maverick. Or any other truck. It's just one not-too-scientific single data point. And it might mean nothing. For example, the dealerships might be ordering AWD to make more money - I dunno. But as a AWD Maverick owner, and a future AWD Slate owner, I can attest that a lot of us want it - whether we need it or not. In my case, an almost vertical driveway necessitates 4 driven wheels and snow tires during inclement weather. But somebody who lives in Florida (and doesn't drive the beaches) - maybe not so much.

I'm reasonably sure Slate will ship RWD only. And I'm reasonably confident they'll offer AWD as soon as they can - because the market wants it. You sell what the market wants.

 

[sodamo]

My last Tacoma (2009) was just 2wd. Got stuck a couple times, vowed only to get 4wd in future. Never got stuck again. Probably nothing to due with not driving in areas I might get stuck. I’ll not drive my rwd Slate in those places either 😁