Confirmed: keyless entry, push-to-start, remote climate control & lock/unlock via app

[Letas]

A subscription fee is a non-starter for me. We'd absolutely avoid the Slate if a subscription is required to enable features already baked into the car.

I don't care if it's a $1 a year, we'd find another option just on principle. Lots of other EVs out there.

Lots of other EVs, yes.
I can’t think of one that doesn’t offer a subscription though. Maybe there is one, can’t think of any off the top of my head

 

[Saint Alban]

Lots of other EVs, yes.
I can’t think of one that doesn’t offer a subscription though. Maybe there is one, can’t think of any off the top of my head

Since we have a newer Hyundai now, there is no fee for their service called BlueLink. Previous model years still pay though, but you’re right. It seems like most charge a fee to use their app features.

Ai search: “Electric vehicles that do not charge a fee to use an app for features like remote start are increasingly rare, as many automakers have started implementing subscription fees for connected services including remote start.”

 

[zipn]

Companies like to talk about that sweet sweet recurring revenue model that subscription services bring int in order to make wall street happy. NO ONE ELSE WANTS IT. Guess that's the way to world is going but won't be getting any money from me.

 

[SichuanHot]

This subscription talk of having features of a car as a service is rather nauseating. I really hope Slate doesn't do any of this. If they do, it's simply further reason to "hack" the OBCs on EVs and make them FOSS. That's the only way we, as end users truly own the device we paid our hard earned money for.

 

[Rocket13foxtrot]

Subscription fees, for anything at all, would have me drop my reservation immediately. Don't believe in it.

 

[GreatLakes]

Now I’ve gotta start another thread because I’m confused about this too.

(Referring to "I suspect Amazon prime members will not have to pay extra for subscription fees.")

I think this is supposed to be humor, related to Jeff Bezos (=Amazon) investing in Slate. I'm getting sick of these comments, until it is proven that Bezos has some management oversight/control at Slate.

Sure, he put in $115 million, maybe more or less. But I don't think the official numbers need to be released until later (if ever).

I just hate to see a new Michigan car company get closely linked to one of the Top Five Worldwide Bad Guys (*). Unless it is true.


(*) obviously your list might be different than mine. But the list is pretty clear to my friends and associates, and some of them are pretty smart people.

 

[Letas]

Subscription fees, for anything at all, would have me drop my reservation immediately. Don't believe in it.

I’ve said it before, there isn’t a new car sold in America that doesn’t offer a subscription for something.

 

[Adam W]

Sure, he put in $115 million, maybe more or less. But I don't think the official numbers need to be released until later (if ever).

First of all, 🔥hard agree with your list🔥

According to this interview with Chris Barman Bezos was one of several contributors in the series A round, which raised a total of 110 million. They're now at 700mil. That math means Bezos may actually be among the smallest financial backers.

 

[YDR37]

The photo on the “maker” site confused me a bit showing the key fob inserted into the dash, so I emailed for clarification and wanted to share the answers with everyone.

“The Slate truck will feature keyless entry and push-to-start capabilities, so you won't need to insert the key fob into the dash. The Slate App will allow you to remotely activate climate control, lock/unlock doors, and more. However, I don't have information about any subscription fees for these features at the moment”

(I asked if there would be a subscription fee if they had those app features).

Some manufacturers do charge for use of phone apps, but others do not. For example, the FordPass app offers remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle GPS location, and general maintainence info -- and it's free for life. Slate would be wise to offer something similar,

I’ve said it before, there isn’t a new car sold in America that doesn’t offer a subscription for something.

In the case of Ford, optional subscriptions are available, but they seem to duplicate smartphone functionality. For example, Ford offers optional subscriptions for in-car navigation, music/podcast streaming, and Wifi hotspot -- all of which seem unnecessary if you have a smartphone. Possibly Ford offers the subscriptions for people who do not have a smartphone (yes, they exist), but who would still like to have smartphone-like services while driving. If that's the idea, then I don't see any problem with a monthly fee, since obviously you have to pay a monthly fee to use a smartphone.

Oh, Ford also has a subscription fee to use BlueCruise hands-free driving. I initially forgot about that one, because I have a basic "work truck" trim which isn't BlueCruise-capable anyway.

 

[slateya]

Maybe we, I included are over reacting. Did the confirmation state if the remote connectivity was on the Blank Slate or an optional add-on feature?

Slate could stick to its core mission of a striped down vehicle with key fob functionality only for the Blank Slate. Additional connectivity via cell phone, GPS satellite, etc. could be an add-on module with subscription fees for those that want it. Hint, hint @Slate.

 

[Saint Alban]

Maybe we, I included are over reacting. Did the confirmation state if the remote connectivity was on the Blank Slate or an optional add-on feature?

Slate could stick to its core mission of a striped down vehicle with key fob functionality only for the Blank Slate. Additional connectivity via cell phone, GPS satellite, etc. could be an add-on module with subscription fees for those that want it. Hint, hint @Slate.

I only asked if there would be an app and, if so, would there be a subscription fee. She said yes there would be an app but no confirmation on a fee. So yes there could be overreactions over nothing.

 

[cvollers]

Maybe we, I included are over reacting. Did the confirmation state if the remote connectivity was on the Blank Slate or an optional add-on feature?

Slate could stick to its core mission of a striped down vehicle with key fob functionality only for the Blank Slate. Additional connectivity via cell phone, GPS satellite, etc. could be an add-on module with subscription fees for those that want it. Hint, hint @Slate.

It’s entirely possible that Slate is testing the waters on offering app related features via subscription. Keep in mind that Slate is all about giving people what they need as standard with wanted options being available for an additional cost. Remote start via an app on your phone is not something you need…it’s a convenience you might like to have (like power mirrors). As such, it might be something Slate will charge for.

All that said, we know the car will depend on the app for OTA updates. There will probably be a wireless connection between the car and the phone. Will this just be Bluetooth or Bluetooth plus WiFi? We don’t know yet. We also don’t know yet if the car can talk to the Internet without using a phone. If it can’t, how can it talk to an app over distances greater than what Bluetooth can support?

 

[OldGoat]

I am one of those "troglodytes" who will not be with phone in hand every waking minute. Or even in my possession on certain days. Totally digging the freedom from tech at times and like others, REALLY fed up with tech that doesn't work. Or takes precious time out of your life to learn and diddle with. I want the simplest Slate I can get. That's not to say I don't own and operate lots of digital toys and devices but enough already!!
BTW-helped out a guy at a charging station awhile ago whose phone battery was dead and he was totally screwed since he couldn't charge and eventually was locked out of his car. It happens. Keep the Slate free from these kinds of things.