Autosteer and Adaptive Cruise Control

[Shay]

Features like this are the antithesis of this product. They entirely miss the point and mission of it.

 

[metroshot]

My $53K Ford Mach E and $70K Ford Lightning has those features including hands free driving (Blue Cruise) makes for long distance driving almost effortless.

Don't need those features in a low cost compact commuter utility truck for $25K.

That's not what the Slate is designed for....

 

[lgerger]

I know they don't want to develop this technology but if they included the hardware so the car could do it when using 3rd party hardware like Comma AI.

Not gonna happen

 

[jodeit]

Love the idea of it being "comma.ai ready" for adaptive cruise. For those against it, don't buy the comma add-on, but it seems like all Slate would need to do would be to communicate with comma to ensure Slate makes the vehicle compatibility list: https://comma.ai/vehicles

As far as safety, a lot has changed in the 7 1/2 years since the 'Comma One" and I'd think an exhausting commute in traffic is statistically safer with adaptive cruise control assistance than without.

 

[lgerger]

Features like this are the antithesis of this product. They entirely miss the point and mission of it.

I agree if you want all this extra crap get a Tesla (which I love for those reasons). This is different.

 

[lgerger]

I know they don't want to develop this technology but if they included the hardware so the car could do it when using 3rd party hardware like Comma AI.

No! Don’t do it Slate.

 

[slateya]

No! Don’t do it Slate.

Stick to your core mission Slate. Keep the tech out.

 

[GreatLakes]

Features like this are the antithesis of this product. They entirely miss the point and mission of it.

I sort of disagree. Why can't you buy your $25K truck and customize it the way you want, and I do the same?

I think the Slate has AEB (automatic emergency braking) because it is required. Might be most of what is needed for comma.ai to add ACC (automatic cruise control). I wouldn't install it immediately, but it might be a nice option down the road.

I've wanted ACC since I first heard about it fifteen years ago. I've purchased a new vehicle in that time, but it wasn't an option in the low end models. I was looking at a Bolt EUV last year, but ACC was part of a package that would add $3200 to the car, so I wouldn't have paid that.

 

[Letas]

I sort of disagree. Why can't you buy your $25K truck and customize it the way you want, and I do the same?

I think the Slate has AEB (automatic emergency braking) because it is required. Might be most of what is needed for comma.ai to add ACC (automatic cruise control). I wouldn't install it immediately, but it might be a nice option down the road.

I've wanted ACC since I first heard about it fifteen years ago. I've purchased a new vehicle in that time, but it wasn't an option in the low end models. I was looking at a Bolt EUV last year, but ACC was part of a package that would add $3200 to the car, so I wouldn't have paid that.

Exactly how I see it. Give us the blocks to customize it how we want! Kind of the point of the company…

 

[GreatLakes]

My $53K Ford Mach E and $70K Ford Lightning has those features including hands free driving (Blue Cruise) makes for long distance driving almost effortless.

Don't need those features in a low cost compact commuter utility truck for $25K.

That's not what the Slate is designed for....

Again, I disagree. You want to put the Slate in the "compact commuter utility truck" pigeon hole. Other people might use it differently. I would certainly expect to take it out on the highway. And the batteries now are either 150 or 240 miles. What if there is a 400 mile battery that weighs 200# and costs $2000 in three years?

I test drove both the Mach E and Lightning last year. Fantastic vehicles! I was very tempted by a Lightning Pro at $47k, but decided I didn't have that kind of money. And not sure now, but seems like the Pro didn't have ACC? Certainly not Blue Cruise.

 

[GreatLakes]

Stick to your core mission Slate. Keep the tech out.

One way or another, there is a heck of a lot of tech in a modern vehicle. All of it regulated and required:

TPMS (RF connection to dash display, sensors in the tires)
AEB - that is required now, right? Radar? or Cameras
Antilock brakes,
Air bags - sensors, should I inflate?
Stability control
Backup camera

How many computers do you think it takes to manage the batteries & charging, the main motor speed control; the regeneration on the brakes?

 

[metroshot]

Again, I disagree. You want to put the Slate in the "compact commuter utility truck" pigeon hole. Other people might use it differently. I would certainly expect to take it out on the highway. And the batteries now are either 150 or 240 miles. What if there is a 400 mile battery that weighs 200# and costs $2000 in three years?

I test drove both the Mach E and Lightning last year. Fantastic vehicles! I was very tempted by a Lightning Pro at $47k, but decided I didn't have that kind of money. And not sure now, but seems like the Pro didn't have ACC? Certainly not Blue Cruise.

You are looking way too far in the future - I have been waiting for a new EV battery for 5 years - still NCM or LFP. Very heavy and doesn't have the range or faster charge rates.

Slate using the NCM is a first gen model for sure.
Might have to wait another 5 years to get a newer affordable solid state or sodium battery....

As for the Ford EVs, BlueCruise is an option.
My Mach E Mustang EV is the middle optioned trim and it has 3 years of BlueCruise which I use and it takes a lot of the long distance driving stress off.

For my Slate, I would not want it as its purpose is a commuter EV.

 

[cvollers]

Stick to your core mission Slate. Keep the tech out.

People can drive without tech in their cars. Don’t do it Slate…stick to your knitting.

 

[cvollers]

Was recently in an almost new Subaru Forester rental. I found the overly-busy infotainment somewhat bewildering and could not get my phone to pair over Bluetooth. Give me simple.

 

[Luxrage]

People can drive without tech in their cars. Don’t do it Slate…stick to your knitting.

I agree, wiring and components in the "regulated tech" from a further above post have been in vehicles for years and have their costs manufactured down to nearly nothing. They've got to remember we've had airbags in cars since 1973. They've had time to cheapen up the parts and simplify/standardize them. Same with things like backup cameras, TPMS controllers, etc. Adding in provisions for modern auto-steer and lane assist is what balloons up the price and we end up with another promising EV ending up at 2X the projected sales price.

Being an "EV" doesn't mean it has to be full of all sorts of driving aids and cutting edge tech. Give me an EV like the Comuta-Car or Lectric Leopard that is just an electric powertrain on a basic vehicle!