Crash testing and Repairability

[Johnologue]

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.

They were smashing up a warehouse full of them around summer/fall of last year, in the various body/seating configurations...you may be right about things being finalized, I wouldn't know better. My assumption is typically "nothing is final" for unreleased Slate info at this point.

Makes me wonder if the rates at first are based somewhat on experience with other EV's ?

Given the experiences mentioned here...sure hope not. If so, hopefully real-world data will change that.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

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 ?

I'm with State Farm as well, that's what prompted this thread. I am wondering what to expect WRT coverage costs. (no idea what sort of "riders" are required for EVs)

 

[Doctors Do Little]

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

True! Unless it is wrapped??? Then you got some decisions to make.

 

[KevinRS]

They did a bunch of simulation, and built preproduction units to crash, they said the sims proved accurate, they seem to have made some minor revisions and done more crash tests. It's a couple of months since we saw video of frames on the line, even assuming those were released the day they were filmed, those frames just about have to have made their way into being trucks.
My thinking is the first low rate production units were slated to go to things like final crash validation, and EPA and other certifications, then more trucks for showing at events, then trucks for test driving at events.

 

[Paul]

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.

Pretty much everything can get totaled with a minor collision. If you go over on the Maverick forum there's pictures everyday of minor rear end collisions that kink the frame and total it out. I would rather it totaled out than have a car with expensive repairs. That being said, this is only a $25,000 vehicle, not a $100k Cyber truck (before they depreciate the value of two slate trucks) So it's only going to be worth $25,000 to replace, at worse, And I would expect that to play into the insurance costs.

 

[BCondrey]

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

Truth. Happened to me, and they totaled my R1T.

 

[DougieRCSlate]

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.

Just an opinion. Tesla, has Lipo batteries that when a slight puncture will turn it into a 4th of July Roman Candle! I have experimented with these batteries, since we fly very large RC Planes. Tesla has hedged towards caution as the only thing done when the battery is breached, the fire department throws a containment blanket over it. So the Slate is designed with Lithium Iron Phosphate which can be punctured or breached and don’t flame up. If a chassis is damaged and the battery tray won't fit to factory specs, most insurance companies write the car off. It almost sounds if you’ve been watching Matt Armstrong and the trouble with the 259 Ferrari and the Bugatti. Ford, Chevy/GMC/and Stellantis is lobbying congress to write a bill only allowing dealers to repair their vehicles. In aviation, we rebuild anything and everything as long as the technician or repair facility is certificated and rated for the job. I would love to see cars be the same. check out Alpine_Aero_RC on Instagram and see how RC handles this. We have safety rules to abide by to fly at our field. 👍🐢

 

[nevermindkid]

Slate has said many times their goal is 5 star crash rating. That would require them to crash test some number of vehicles. Seems a bit premature for them to release results to the public until it's all good news. I don't know if they've announced achieving that 5 star yet.
They've mentioned in a few videos about testing, breaking, learning, improving, and retesting design until their goals are met.
If the wheels stay on its better than what im driving now ;D

 

[KevinRS]

Slate has said many times their goal is 5 star crash rating. That would require them to crash test some number of vehicles. Seems a bit premature for them to release results to the public until it's all good news. I don't know if they've announced achieving that 5 star yet.
They've mentioned in a few videos about testing, breaking, learning, improving, and retesting design until their goals are met.
If the wheels stay on its better than what im driving now ;D

They have crash tested a significant number of prototypes, they may have now gotten as far as building the first line units and sent them out for independent crash certification, but I doubt all the results are in.

 

[Kopsis]

NHTSA and IIHS crash tests have nothing to do with federal regulation compliance. Those tests will likely happen in mid 2027 after customer deliveries are well underway. Crash tests to confirm federal regulation compliance (a significantly lower bar) will happen close to the start of deliverable production (since any chassis design changes to address production issues could invalidate test results).

Slate's assertion has always been that the truck is designed to achieve a 5-star safety rating. That means computer simulations (calibrated against crash tests of prototypes) are giving them confidence that the real tests will deliver the results they want. But do not expect them to claim an actual 5-star rating until well into 2027.

 

[D’Roc]

I’m still awaiting the NHTSA and IIHS crash test results for my 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S. I know it has been a low volume seller but, still, ~11,000 are in customers’ hands like mine and the earliest ones are near two years on public roads.

 

[whasupjohn]

Although I agree I'd rather have a new vehicle than one with issues after an accident, I can't imagine this will help with insurance rates =(

As for the crash test rating, I want them to be safe and if its a 5 (or even a 4) its a safe machine. It is a tank at 4000lbs but maybe not compared to all the vehicles on the road. Again, I hope they get it right and that will keep our rates low.

I really don't like it, and I understand (sort of) how insurance has to work. I wonder if all EVs will simply be "high replacement" cost and make rates unusually high. Time will tell.

 

[Johnny-Longtorso]

Well this has certainly been informative (and saved me a ton of time searching). I was always under the impression all this crash-test stuff was required to be complete before the vehicle could have a first delivery.

 

[whasupjohn]

Well this has certainly been informative (and saved me a ton of time searching). I was always under the impression all this crash-test stuff was required to be complete before the vehicle could have a first delivery.

Me too, I had never looked into it. Turns out to make sure there is no bias, cars are bought from dealers/off the lot by 3rd party testers to crash test. This way they don't get a "ringer" version. So it seems that they really can't test until after production release.

 

[Frozen North]

Me too, I had never looked into it. Turns out to make sure there is no bias, cars are bought from dealers/off the lot by 3rd party testers to crash test. This way they don't get a "ringer" version. So it seems that they really can't test until after production release.

That is good for the consumer.
Assuming no manufacturer ever invests heavily in the beginning to be sure initial units perform well, and then backs the quality off once they have a high rating to save money.
Similar to VW with diesel gate.