19SL80s
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Doug
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2026
- Threads
- 4
- Messages
- 76
- Reaction score
- 124
- Location
- Columbus, Ohio
- Vehicles
- Leasing Tesla Model 3. Waiting for Rivian R3, but considering Slate in meantime.
- Thread starter
- #1
No Heat Pump
“The Slate doesn't even have a heat pump like so many other EVs. That might make living with one in colder climates more difficult, but just using a standard heater keeps things simpler and cheaper.”
https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2027-slate-truck-price-explained.html
I’ve read A LOT about the efficiency of PTC resistive heaters, which Slate has, vs. heat pumps in EVs. It seems to me that having both is the best solution, but obviously cost is an issue. I wish Slate at least had the option of adding a heat pump.
https://ev-insight.com/ev-technical/the-warm-battle-heat-pumps-vs-resistive-heaters-in-evs/
I’m definitely going to watching the early adopters in cold climates put the Slate to the test. I’ve also read that LFP batteries are better in the cold, losing between 20%-40% range in the winter vs. NMC batteries that can lose up to 50% range, but this does not account for heat usage. This is why heated seats actually have an advantage vs. heating the whole cabin.
But there is something to be said for a PTC heater that heats in seconds and then maintains its heat when the ceramic hits a certain temperature. Also the two-seater truck cabin is small and it might be the best and cheapest solution for the space. We’ll have to wait and see.
Proprietary Kits, Wraps, Etc.
After watching a crazy number of hours of Slate content on YouTube, I’ve come to the conclusion that some of Slate’s accessories are proprietary. I feel like this leans away from the creative DIY angle. For example, I could make my own Slatelets, DRL, or brake light covers, but if I want to build my own bed cap or buy one from a third party is it even going to work?
One of the engineers at Slate was talking about how the SUV kit must be installed in a specific order so that the vehicle knows it’s in SUV mode. He said these sensors are there for safety, so someone isn’t installing something incorrectly. Does this mean that third party kits or DIY solutions won’t work? Will third parties have to include some kind of sensor or get approval from Slate? This seems like a barrier.
Wraps are equally proprietary, as they need to be specificity designed to stick to the composite panels. You won’t be able to go to just any vinyl wrap shop and choose from their selection. Those wraps are meant to stick to metal panels covered in automotive paint. Something Slate doesn’t have. I do appreciate the cost though ($500+). It’s hard to beat that vs. the $3K-$6K of a normal wrap.
Subscriptions for Using App Functionality
After reading the description of the telematics module it would appear to me that a subscription is required in order to interact with your Slate via your phone and the Slate app. This adds remote access (keyless entry, lock/unlock, climate control?) and battery preconditioning with a free 1-year subscription. It doesn’t say how much this subscription will be after that.
Given that the battery will need preconditioned, especially in extreme cold and extreme heat situations, how can one do this without the telematics module? I don’t believe the key fob has the option to precondition (see pic below). I see lock, unlock, open frunk, roll down windows(?), and panic/honk. Is it a button you can press on the steering wheel, so you can manually precondition? These are important questions that need answers.
Anyway, I’m still really excited about the Slate. I just need to make sure it’s an appropriate fit for Central Ohio and 90+ days of below freezing weather on one end of the year and 90+ days of high 80’s/low 90’s weather at the other end of the year.
“The Slate doesn't even have a heat pump like so many other EVs. That might make living with one in colder climates more difficult, but just using a standard heater keeps things simpler and cheaper.”
https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2027-slate-truck-price-explained.html
I’ve read A LOT about the efficiency of PTC resistive heaters, which Slate has, vs. heat pumps in EVs. It seems to me that having both is the best solution, but obviously cost is an issue. I wish Slate at least had the option of adding a heat pump.
https://ev-insight.com/ev-technical/the-warm-battle-heat-pumps-vs-resistive-heaters-in-evs/
I’m definitely going to watching the early adopters in cold climates put the Slate to the test. I’ve also read that LFP batteries are better in the cold, losing between 20%-40% range in the winter vs. NMC batteries that can lose up to 50% range, but this does not account for heat usage. This is why heated seats actually have an advantage vs. heating the whole cabin.
But there is something to be said for a PTC heater that heats in seconds and then maintains its heat when the ceramic hits a certain temperature. Also the two-seater truck cabin is small and it might be the best and cheapest solution for the space. We’ll have to wait and see.
Proprietary Kits, Wraps, Etc.
After watching a crazy number of hours of Slate content on YouTube, I’ve come to the conclusion that some of Slate’s accessories are proprietary. I feel like this leans away from the creative DIY angle. For example, I could make my own Slatelets, DRL, or brake light covers, but if I want to build my own bed cap or buy one from a third party is it even going to work?
One of the engineers at Slate was talking about how the SUV kit must be installed in a specific order so that the vehicle knows it’s in SUV mode. He said these sensors are there for safety, so someone isn’t installing something incorrectly. Does this mean that third party kits or DIY solutions won’t work? Will third parties have to include some kind of sensor or get approval from Slate? This seems like a barrier.
Wraps are equally proprietary, as they need to be specificity designed to stick to the composite panels. You won’t be able to go to just any vinyl wrap shop and choose from their selection. Those wraps are meant to stick to metal panels covered in automotive paint. Something Slate doesn’t have. I do appreciate the cost though ($500+). It’s hard to beat that vs. the $3K-$6K of a normal wrap.
Subscriptions for Using App Functionality
After reading the description of the telematics module it would appear to me that a subscription is required in order to interact with your Slate via your phone and the Slate app. This adds remote access (keyless entry, lock/unlock, climate control?) and battery preconditioning with a free 1-year subscription. It doesn’t say how much this subscription will be after that.
Given that the battery will need preconditioned, especially in extreme cold and extreme heat situations, how can one do this without the telematics module? I don’t believe the key fob has the option to precondition (see pic below). I see lock, unlock, open frunk, roll down windows(?), and panic/honk. Is it a button you can press on the steering wheel, so you can manually precondition? These are important questions that need answers.
Anyway, I’m still really excited about the Slate. I just need to make sure it’s an appropriate fit for Central Ohio and 90+ days of below freezing weather on one end of the year and 90+ days of high 80’s/low 90’s weather at the other end of the year.
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