Introductions & Welcome Thread 👋

[AZFox]

Apparently, "keyless go" is already standard, and that's just dumb - an answer to a problem that nobody had.

The Truck will have a not-so-dumb "Secure Key Ignition Module" where you insert the key fob into a slot in the dashboard.

 

[KevinRS]

The Truck will have a not-so-dumb "Secure Key Ignition Module" where you insert the key fob into a slot in the dashboard.

Which, depending on how they implement it could be more secure than a standard key with a chip in it that most cars have, and it eliminates some moveable breakable parts. I know it's not a huge percentage, but ignition switches break, and keys wear down enough that you need a new one cut.

 

[AZFox]

This AI Overview describes the Secure Key Ignition Module pretty well, assuming it's not hallucinating.

The Secure Key Ignition Module is a proprietary security feature of the Slate Truck designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and starting. Unlike conventional push-to-start systems or traditional keyed ignitions, this system requires the driver to insert the key fob into a dedicated slot on the dashboard to start the vehicle. Once inserted, the fob passes a secure electronic code to the vehicle’s control system, enabling the motor to engage.​

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This design was intentionally chosen by Slate Auto to balance affordability with high security, ensuring that even at a lower price point, the vehicle does not compromise on theft protection.​

Here's a Chris Barman quote from this article
https://sherwood.news/tech/slate-au...lls-us-how-exactly-its-making-a-usd25-000-ev/

We also wanted to be thoughtful about safety and security. We spent actually a lot of time as a team talking about how the most economical that you could get is a bladed key. Walk up, put it in, turn it.​

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But we had this discussion, myself and other members of the team, about as a single female at night in a dimly lit parking lot, I would not feel safe. There’s a twofold reason we did the fob. One is from the security perspective: you can unlock it from the remote. It lights up, and you can see everything’s safe and secure. We also have a secure key ignition module through that — you put the fob into a slot and through that, it passes a code in order to start the car. We didn’t want people to think, “Well, if it’s affordable, was it not secure?”​

If the fob-as-a-key system works reliably it's a brilliant idea.

I also like the idea of pressing a button on the fob to initiate bringing the battery to operating temperature.

 

[Zorba]

I also like the idea of pressing a button on the fob to initiate bringing the battery to operating temperature.

I'd just as soon not even have a fob, but I could certainly live with one. Sure beats needing a smartphone!

 

[jamir]

Hello and welcome all.

My 2016 Corolla S has seen its use and abuse, and while I know its barely halfway through its life (at ~180k miles) it is time to give it a bit of a rest and pick up a new daily driver. The Slate Truck would be not only my first truck, and my third vehicle overall, it will also be my first non-Toyota vehicle. I haven't been this passionate enough to sign up to a forum in years, so I'm excited to read through the boards and learn new things about cars and the automotive world as the years go on! I hopefully won't complain too much lol

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Hi, new here.
My current commuter is a Chevy Spark EV that I ripped the back seats out of for more cargo room.
I also bypassed the terrible factory stereo completely with a system that just directly connected to my phone since that's all I need.
I previously had a 90s Ranger that I loved, and still miss.
I've long said that I love electric drivetrains, but hate modern vehicles.

So obviously I reserved a Slate as soon as I could, lol. It would suit my needs so well I feel like I designed it for myself. I am honestly cross shopping it with the new Bolt. They really do have similar specs if you think about it, with the Slate being more interesting and the Bolt probably being the smart decision. I've been following GM's EV program for awhile now and have been impressed with a lot of the work they've done, but they've also ticked me off lately. The OnStar selling data thing was bad enough, but the way they've abandoned Spark EV owners with zero parts availability has me not wanting to ever buy another GM product ever again. The reason I still call the Bolt the "smart decision" is that I've been let down by EV related start-ups enough to always be suspicious. That being said, what I've seen of Slate's prototypes does give me some hope they're not unreasonably far from a production vehicle.

So far I'm impressed with everything Slate is promising with the repairability openness of their systems. If they follow through, I'll be ordering one when I can.

 

[Johnologue]

Hello!

My current car is an ex-rental 2017 Hyundai Veloster. I've used it for commuting and some road trips up and down the west coast to visit family. I like that car a lot.

I've long been excited for electric cars, particularly fun and economical/affordable ones.
I remember getting excited to see the Model 3 in person for the first time (and being immediately annoyed when I realized it wasn't a liftback like the Model S).

I stopped following automotive news entirely when I realized everything was going in the wrong direction for me.
The US market only getting the bulky/dull SUV versions of hatchbacks, excessive range keeping up cost and weight, and all of the horrible technology/autonomy stuff.
It all made me sad and bored.

...until the Slate Truck was announced, of course. It isn't my most-perfect dream car, but it's worlds closer than anything else.

I love the open-source ethos that encourages repair and modification, the lack of evil/annoying technology, the compact footprint, the rear-wheel drive...and I could go on forever naming both big ideas and details like "the wheels being a normal size".

I really hope Slate Auto makes it, and I see many reasons to believe they will.

 

[mikebreeze]

Hi. I'm mike and I placed my reservation for a basic Slate piclup with the extended battery on 6/22/2025. I currently have a 2019 Subaru Outback wagon. I like the simplicity of the vehicle and hope that everything comes together and I actually get to own one in the next few years.

 

[Cody122]

Hi all. New here despite reserving on day 2. I had the opportunity to see the prototype in Olympia WA and was pleasantly surprised. It seemed well along for a prototype. Obviously a hand build prototype doesn't reflect production line vehicles but I was still happy with what I saw.

Vehicle history is too long. Currently daily a '17 Fusion Hybrid, with a '02 M3 and a '37 Plymouth project cars. Slate will be my first EV.

 

[ThatADASguy]

Hello
Coming from the F150LightningForm. Been observing Slate for a while, & wanted to become a member incase I end up working on one, or better yet ended up owning one.