A Poll on Slates current direction - has it changed?

[E90400K]

I get what you're saying. But Jeep Wrangler comes with a standard soft top; a removable hardtop is an optional add-on. Ford Bronco is just the opposite; it comes standard with a removable hardtop, but adding a soft top is optional.

Funny though, I've found that my Bronco gets better fuel mileage with the top removed. LOL. Maybe the SLATE FN Open-Aire will be the best model that returns the highest miles-per-kW!

 

[SailorDan]

Go figure. Everything you know is wrong.
Or as Mark Twain said, It ain't what you don't know that gets you in trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.

 

[adele]

My first experience with the Tesla screen in action was in a work colleague's 2018 Model 3. He put it in the screen mode that shows all the traffic around the car. I was intrigued that the system picked up motorcycles and showed them on screen as the single-track vehicle that they are. My first thought (as an avid motorcyclist) was what a great safety feature for motorcyclists, to make cage drivers more aware of motorcycles in traffic. Then nearly immediately after that thought was my second thought, why not just the fack look out the facking window at the REAL traffic all around you? Been my position on the subject since then.

Wonder if it picks up regular bicycles riding in a bike lane or shoulder? Definitely very bad for a driver to be staring at that screen instead of looking around.

 

[Jeffrobodine]

I voted No because I still have a choice, but make no mistake,

Slate has become like every other automaker in selling a cellular subscription to Remote Start/preheating/precooling and remote vehicle information, as well as that will send vehicle data to their server(s).

They don’t advertise this, but the Telematics Module supports Wi-Fi meaning they could offer a higher level with hotspot and it supports Bluetooth, meaning it could offer digital key as well as Slate app access to the car without plugging into the USB-C. It connects into the same USB hub as the phone. But to reiterate, it is optional and if security is your priority you don’t have to buy it and subscribe.

All this being said, this is what some of Slate’s customers want. I used cellular Remote Start from my office before I retired and it was a real blessing in winter. Different strokes for different folks and Slate offers a choice.

You failed to note that the "customers" that SLATE will be selling to include a large share of fleet customers where telematics is an important selling point. The great thing about SLATE is if you don't want it, don't buy it.

 

[FlyHappy]

Oh, I completely think SLATE used the gimmick factor when considering manual windows. It should have power windows and power mirrors; it is obvious since they went with electric locks - LOL. Both power windows and mirrors would have added $5 to the cost to build it.

TBF, power locks are different since Slates fleet aspirations (and remote mgmt) required it.
But I do agree that cranks was gimmick driven, and that only manual windows and mirrors will hurt more then help.

 

[Frozen North]

TBF, power locks are different since Slates fleet aspirations (and remote mgmt) required it.
But I do agree that cranks was gimmick driven, and that only manual windows and mirrors will hurt more then help.

See Slate version 2

IMO it won't be long, a year at most, and we can put a power window/mirror accessory in our trucks.
Either Slate will provide the solution or the aftermarket will.

 

[Moe]

See Slate version 2

IMO it won't be long, a year at most, and we can put a power window/mirror accessory in our trucks.
Either Slate will provide the solution or the aftermarket will.

I think you can bet yer ass Slate will when they launch 2028 modes in Q4 2027 (IMO).

 

[sodamo]

When Slate offers PW mode I’ll be sticking with my crank.

 

[Freyar]

And they should have used a real metal key, for both the door locks and "ignition" system if they truly believed in the simplicity and reliability of the manual crank window and manual mirror adjustment mechanisms. Just sayin'

We moved away from physical metal keys due to security concerns. From metal keys, to keys with security chips for the immobilizer, to fobs. I do not want a 2027 car that can have it's security defeated as easily as they were in the 1990's.

 

[E90400K]

We moved away from physical metal keys due to security concerns. From metal keys, to keys with security chips for the immobilizer, to fobs. I do not want a 2027 car that can have it's security defeated as easily as they were in the 1990's.

Seems a lot of new cars get easily compromised electronically. Perhaps a physical key and the modern encryption you guys seek and think CyberCogs brings to the table (which eventually will again be compromised) is even more of a security deterrent.

I've owned BMWs for 38 years and have been on the BMW forums since 2006. The E46 through whatever "G-series" BMW is up to now all have encrypted keys, and the highly sought after make does not have a reputation for easily being stolen via defeating of its electronic immobilizing systems. The E46 has both a metal "sidewinder" key along with electronic security built into the key body.

And if a thief really wants a car, they just tow it away on a flatbed truck.

 

[gasherbrum]

i appreciate they consolidated on a single battery and LFP as well, that is a great move

some of the old cars i had had 0 electronics in the door, so it made sense that every system in the door was manual (locks, windows, mirror) and they didnt have to run a wiring harness into the door... however slate has power locks now, it likely would have been cheaper for them to just go ahead and have power windows and mirrors, so i think this is just an advertising gimmick

overall im stoked, no vehicle is perfect and the main thing is the price is right

 

[Moe]

i appreciate they consolidated on a single battery and LFP as well, that is a great move

I appreciate they did that when the $7,500 participation trophy disappeared, but I hope the divorce with SK On was amicable and we get another at least optional chance at the 240 mile NMC, much better for cold weather.

 

[nahart51]

By this time next year, the Slate faithful who’d adapt to whatever Slate did or didn’t provide will probably have all converted their preorders to sales. Q4 at one time was the beginning of a new model year.

The question is whether Slate will continue to tell potential buyers who want power windows, no OPD, etc to shop somewhere else. I guess that depends on sales through Q3.

Power windows will drive the price up as will all the other comfort items. Time for all of you wusses to man up and quit whining or go buy a damn Ford.

 

[gasherbrum]

Power windows will drive the price up as will all the other comfort items. Time for all of you wusses to man up and quit whining or go buy a damn Ford.

Power windows are cheaper than crank windows because there is no supply chain left for crank windows, you arent able to source a crank window regular from bosch anymore. additionally power windows are more compact and less complex, the only reason for crank windows is for marketing if there is already a harness ran to the door.

in my opinion there is no reliability difference between the two, both have their own problems (was a mechanic for a number of years). so overall i would have liked to have the truck be even cheaper, and the additional convenience of power windows added

 

[whasupjohn]

Power windows are cheaper than crank windows because there is no supply chain left for crank windows, you arent able to source a crank window regular from bosch anymore. additionally power windows are more compact and less complex, the only reason for crank windows is for marketing if there is already a harness ran to the door.

in my opinion there is no reliability difference between the two, both have their own problems (was a mechanic for a number of years). so overall i would have liked to have the truck be even cheaper, and the additional convenience of power windows added

If there is no supply chain for crank windows, how did Slate source them? They are not building them in house. Your opinion is noted and most likely common among people here. There are reasons Slate has not offered the upgrade kit they originally intended to offer. I’m sure that will come out. Eventually there will be kits from the aftermarket which will work and maybe Slate never officially releases a version of their own.

It’s a DIY truck and they want to keep costs down and reliability up. It’s consistent with their mantra. I don’t see why people are complaining about things you’re not getting for everything else that you are.