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

[metroshot]

So today's Q&A presentation said something about keyless entry but requires you to plug the key fob into the car to start it ?

Did I hear that correctly ?

 

[GaRailroader]

So today's Q&A presentation said something about keyless entry but requires you to plug the key fob into the car to start it ?

Did I hear that correctly ?

That is what I heard as well. Sounded like some sort of socket that you insert the fob in to.

 

[metroshot]

That is what I heard as well. Sounded like some sort of socket that you insert the fob in to.

So it's going to be an NFC communications (inches) range vs bluetooth range (30') to start the car ?

Hmmmm

 

[Letas]

So it's going to be an NFC communications (inches) range vs bluetooth range (30') to start the car ?

Hmmmm

Seems to be using NFC tech. Modern fobs use RF/LF combos to achieve “access” while the key is in your pocket. Dirt cheap. NFC may be a bit more affordable (I’m talking a $10 difference per truck), but it feels like a gimmick to be “quirky”

I can’t see any real reason to stray away from current standards, other than to make people feel like they’re inserting their key.

 

[AZFox]

So today's Q&A presentation said something about keyless entry but requires you to plug the key fob into the car to start it ?

Did I hear that correctly ?

Yes.

Slate's "Secure Key Ignition Module" requires inserting the fob into a slot on the dash. The fob passes a code to the vehicle’s control system via physical contacts. It's not NFC. There's no start button.

I can’t see any real reason to stray away from current standards, other than to make people feel like they’re inserting their key.

It's more secure than NFC + start button.
Current standards leave something to be desired. (video)

 

[Letas]

Yes.

Slate's "Secure Key Ignition Module" requires inserting the fob into a slot on the dash. The fob passes a code to the vehicle’s control system via physical contacts. It's not NFC. There's no start button.



It's more secure than NFC + start button.
Current standards leave something to be desired. (video)

Interesting- I will look into it a bit more. Skimmers do exist and are getting better, but I would think you could achieve a secure solution w/ encrypted one-time keys that reset each use. Not just for Slate, but industry in general.

Curious how the Ignition module will handle having a key ring with some bulk to it. Hopefully it inserts deep enough to not be a problem.

 

[SparkYellow]

It sounds like what I have on the MINI. The key fob battery gets charged while in the slot so there's no coin battery to replace. There is still a physical key in the fob that can open and lock the door. I used to switch between two keys to make sure that they are always sufficiently charged.

 

[SichuanHot]

It sounds like what I have on the MINI. The key fob battery gets charged while in the slot so there's no coin battery to replace. There is still a physical key in the fob that can open and lock the door. I used to switch between two keys to make sure that they are always sufficiently charged.

Dodge/Benz during their partnership have had that setup since the late 2010s. The Charger/Challenger and any Benz from that era have that system. It's nice and reliable.

 

[AZFox]

Curious how the Ignition module will handle having a key ring with some bulk to it. Hopefully it inserts deep enough to not be a problem.

I was wondering the same thing.

Wouldn't be a problem for me because my car keys are on their own keychains.

There's a simple solution for people with heavy keychains: Make the fob detachable from the keychain using a detachable connector:

 

[Letas]

I was wondering the same thing.

Wouldn't be a problem for me because my car keys are on their own keychains.

There's a simple solution for people with heavy keychains: Make the fob detachable from the keychain using a detachable connector:

A solution to an engineered problem. I know it is not a new thing, as all keys had to insert into a slot, but that slot was "deeper" than the Slate one appears to be, and it was never advisable to have a keyring with your car keys... yet many do.

 

[AZFox]

A solution to an engineered problem. I know it is not a new thing, as all keys had to insert into a slot, but that slot was "deeper" than the Slate one appears to be, and it was never advisable to have a keyring with your car keys... yet many do.

For that reason when I carried my car keys with my other keys I used one of those detachable connectors.