Article: Slate’s Truck was Designed to Break - And for You to Fix It (w/ Slateforums.com mention by Slate Auto)

[GaRailroader]

https://www.topspeed.com/slate-auto-was-designed-to-break/

Interesting read. 2 points caught my attention.

1. Employees including CEO had to attend wrap camp. I think the truly intend for this to easily be wrapped by the novice.

2. Jeff Jablanksy (Head of Communications) mentions slateforums.com and how we are informally tracking reservation holders configurations. I think that is good they are monitoring this forum. That means there is still a chance they will decide on standard bench instead of buckets.

 

[AZFox]

Thanks for posting.

Is this something we've known? It's new to me. I thought Extended Range was the only factory option.

Because, oh, yes, the other way they're making their cars cheaper is that the only option from the factory will be getting the SUV cap or not getting the cap. Everything else will be drop-shipped to you. Some assembly required.​

 

[KevinRS]

Even the SUV cap is supposed to be shipped. You can opt to have anything installed, but it seems it would be done at the closest of the shops that they are contracting with for service.

 

[sodamo]

could be mistaken but thought there would be a post production area to install paid to install accessories and wrap.. seems that would make sense especially for items that replace blank Slate items to reduce transport of those items.

 

[Adam W]

The shoutout of SlateForums.com is very cool. Not the slate subreddit, not some other car site. Us. That's pretty neat.

The image of a blank taillight plate that could be CNC'd or laser cut by the end user is new to me. Crafty folk could buy these by the gross and set up a nice little side hustle. Swap in different plates for the each season.

 

[KevinRS]

https://www.topspeed.com/slate-auto-was-designed-to-break/

Interesting read. 2 points caught my attention.

1. Employees including CEO had to attend wrap camp. I think the truly intend for this to easily be wrapped by the novice.

2. Jeff Jablanksy (Head of Communications) mentions slateforums.com and how we are informally tracking reservation holders configurations. I think that is good they are monitoring this forum. That means there is still a chance they will decide on standard bench instead of buckets.

Interesting that they already have a bunch of crash tested trucks, Haven't heard that they had got that far.

 

[PACMAN]

Thanks for posting! So, they have a bunch that have been crash tested. When do we hear about the results? They’re really focused on that 5-star rating.
Also, I think the journalist may be right that the 2-door is their riskiest move. I can’t wait for a single cab EV pickup in my driveway, but I really wonder how many others are out there.
Leads me to a question: how many vehicles per year will Slate need to sell to be sustainable?

 

[The Weatherman]

I believe @sodamo has it right.

My understanding was that the truck would come off the line in only one of two configurations; Standard range or Extended range. Every other option would be installed after line production.

Could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure.

 

[Dorbiman]

I seem to recall them saying the SUV kit would be flat packed "Ikea style" in the bed for delivery, meaning customer installed. But I'm sure there will be other options that are factory installed if optioned at the point of purchase. For instance, I feel confident that if you buy the 20" wheel options, you will not get the stock 16" steelies stacked in the bed or anything. (Note: I'd LIKE to get the steelies with the 20's, so I can have snow tires on the steelies)

 

[sodamo]

I seem to recall them saying the SUV kit would be flat packed "Ikea style" in the bed for delivery, meaning customer installed. But I'm sure there will be other options that are factory installed if optioned at the point of purchase. For instance, I feel confident that if you buy the 20" wheel options, you will not get the stock 16" steelies stacked in the bed or anything. (Note: I'd LIKE to get the steelies with the 20's, so I can have snow tires on the steelies)

yes, flat packed for DiY, but the FAQs seem to indicate any options can a paid install, either their post production point or partne. As for items like wheels, tires, bumpers, things that are replacements I would’t think one would have to buy both the original and the replacement unless you wanted to.

 

[cadblu]

Thanks for posting! So, they have a bunch that have been crash tested. When do we hear about the results? They’re really focused on that 5-star rating.
Also, I think the journalist may be right that the 2-door is their riskiest move. I can’t wait for a single cab EV pickup in my driveway, but I really wonder how many others are out there.
Leads me to a question: how many vehicles per year will Slate need to sell to be sustainable?

Agreed, I know vehicle crash testing takes months, but you think we would have some updates by now. Slate can't start production until the design is frozen. And the production countdown clock is ticking.

Speaking of crash testing, the frontal and offset load tests are concerning with that large 7 cubic foot cavity called a frunk. That open cavity is not going to help the Slate achieve its goal. It's more than 2x the size of the Model 3 frunk (which has achieved the highest safety ratings).

 

[AZFox]

Speaking of crash testing, the frontal and offset load tests are concerning with that large 7 cubic foot cavity called a frunk. That open cavity is not going to help the Slate achieve its goal. It's more than 2x the size of the Model 3 frunk (which has achieved the highest safety ratings).

I'm no automotive engineer, so with that in mind...

Could the frunk, as a void in the crumple zone, actually be helpful for crashworthiness?

I would think that's at least a possibility, because front-end parts moving toward the cabin of the vehicle can't push the dashboard toward the occupants if those parts are moving in open space. (If that makes sense.)

Put another way, the front part of the vehicle needs to absorb and dissipate energy. The frunk can give them a place to move in while they're doing that.

OTOH, your groceries in the frunk would get squished. That's a day wrecker.

 

[cadblu]

Well said. I'm sure the CAD and FEA designers took all this into consideration when designing for crash safety. Makes you think twice before putting anything 'dangerous' in the frunk. That cavity does in fact add a nice buffer to the crumple zones.

 

[sodamo]

So either carry gas containers for your mower in the bed or get an electric mower