Crash testing and Repairability

[Johnny-Longtorso]

I am wondering if Slate has released any information regarding crash testing, and repairing a damaged Slate.

I don't have any direct experience myself, but I know of at least one Tesla owner whose car was "totaled" after what, to me, looked like minor damage to the floor pan when he drove over a drainage grate at the entrance (I'd say it was 12" - 14" across tops, no idea if there's a standard) to an apartment garage and it collapsed under the car.

Similarly - I've seen a few YT videos of high-end EVs where a control module neutered the car in a minor fender-bender, requiring expensive diagnostics from the dealer only (proprietary tooling) and in one case mandatory replacement of the module (it can't be "reset") and in one case replacement of both module and battery (pricetag more than a loaded Slate with every option... lol)

Doesn't this sort of information need to be known to insurers before one can secure insurance? And as a buyer I'd like to know what I may be up against if I lose at bumper cars (or worse).

I know there's lots of you that have paid far more attention to "all things Slate" out there, but I've not seen anything myself.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

Here's the Tesla I mentioned...

Again - this car was "totaled". This was in Texas (DFW area). Based on the details shared with me the dealership was horrible, and everything took an eternity - from getting the car looked at to being told the cost to actually repair.

 

[Frozen North]

Here's the Tesla I mentioned...

Again - this car was "totaled". This was in Texas (DFW area). Based on the details shared with me the dealership was horrible, and everything took an eternity - from getting the car looked at to being told the cost to actually repair.

That is ridiculous.
Though I have seen 2 modern Corvettes (C5/C7) totalled for seemingly not much more than that.

 

[Johnologue]

I have a relative who was driving a Mercedes EV, had it parked and someone backed into the passenger side headlight without breaking it. Over 10K to fix, over 2 months to get parts and calibrate/certify sensors.

I've seen a few YT videos of high-end EVs where a control module neutered the car in a minor fender-bender, requiring expensive diagnostics from the dealer only (proprietary tooling) and in one case mandatory replacement of the module (it can't be "reset") and in one case replacement of both module and battery (pricetag more than a loaded Slate with every option... lol)

The Slate should be better about this. The body panels are dent resistant and easily replaced. While the vehicle isn't sensor-free, it has things like a forward-facing camera for AEB, so they should be in a few relatively well-protected locations instead of distributed all around the vehicle's exterior.

Compute is also a centralized architecture (which I typically object to, but it's just vehicle systems because that's all Slate has), so there should be even fewer control modules at crash-vulnerable locations.

Tools shouldn't be proprietary/expensive, because Slate wants service to be accessible for both shops and owners.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

And to be clear - I definitely understand the need for safety when you're talking about something capable of discharging this much current. So to a degree I understand that Slate would want some sort of "control" around this.

 

[Johnologue]

And to be clear - I definitely understand the need for safety when you're talking about something capable of discharging this much current. So to a degree I understand that Slate would want some sort of "control" around this.

There's an official RepairPal partnership to certify some shops for the high-voltage work. I imagine they wouldn't stop a shop that's otherwise HV-capable from servicing it, but that's speculation.

 

[Moe]

I am wondering if Slate has released any information regarding crash testing, and repairing a damaged Slate.

There haven’t been any production Slates to crash test.

 

[AZFox]

They're saying it's intentionally designed to be repairable.

I think a lot of the Small Dent, Big Bill problems with modern cars involves a lot of electronics that the FN doesn't have.

For example if you crunch a rear view mirror you won't need to replace any sensors, cameras, and power adjustment mechanisms because it's just a mirror.

 

[Johnologue]

And you don't even need to paint the replacement body panels to match 🤣

 

[Adam W]

For example if you crunch a rear view mirror you won't need to replace any sensors, cameras, and power adjustment mechanisms because it's just a mirror.

Or like the Rivian where a dent in the rear quarter panel practically requires cutting the car in half lengthwise.

 

[AZFox]

Or like the Rivian where a dent in the rear quarter panel practically requires cutting the car in half lengthwise.

Reminds me that Rich Rebuilds discussed this happening to him in his video.

They were discussing how the Slate was being designed for easy collision repair IIRC.

 

[tubes]

Let's hope it is repairable and insurance eventually rewards them.

These high end cars that are so fragile are a scourge in many ways. It isn't good for the environment for starters. And we all pay for them in our liability component of insurance.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

There haven’t been any production Slates to crash test.

And you know this exactly how? I realize the public events are all test mules in various stages of change / completion, but we're 6 months from Slate's predicted Job 1. I have to believe things are finalized. The testing and validation required aren't quick projects. I know that some simulation is acceptable, but I think they still have to smash a few "as to be released to production" chassis.

 

[dmon4u]

My State Farm Agent said Insurance costs could vary greatly depending on Crash rates and Repair costs. He expects a lot of movement the first year. Makes me wonder if the rates at first are based somewhat on experience with other EV's ?

 

[007]

Drive over crappy stuff on private property and all kinds of things can happen that have been "tested" for.