Poll: Slate's second model - what do you think it will be?

[ElectricShitbox]

I'm partly drawing on a recent-ish article (can't remember which it was at a glance) that seemed to have been written in communication/contact with Slate which noted the frunk was in some way chosen over accommodating a front motor. My assumption was that they would be leaving it out of newer prototypes/refinements of the design.

The article (and I) could've been plain wrong, of course.

I think in the Rich Rebuilds video, they discuss how leaving that area open allows for such a large funk, and then later while Rich was pushing him on the AWD question, he alludes to "future frunk area accessories", or something like that. So I think pivoting to talking about the frunk is how they avoid talking about a front motor. But you wouldn't design the front suspension the way it is if you never intended for there to be a front motor.
I can only find one photo of the front of the battery pack, but there's also a suspiciously large HV connector on the front, next to the smaller connectors you would expect for heat/power steering/dc-dc.

 

[AZFox]

I think in the Rich Rebuilds video, they discuss how leaving that area open allows for such a large funk, and then later while Rich was pushing him on the AWD question, he alludes to "future frunk area accessories", or something like that.

Eric Keipper hinted that the OG Truck will be RWD only as a matter of expediency. Later he said future models in their Slate portfolio of vehicles will have AWD.

In the Rich Rebuilds video Eric Keipper answered the AWD question with “The entire organization, the entire company is focused on getting the truck and the accessory of the SUV in a rear wheel drive, you know, standard and extended range, situation in in those configurations to launch”.

After that he said the Design Team is working on "a Slate portfolio of vehicles with additional features that may or may not fit underneath the frunk".

The OG Truck's Slateboard chassis is designed for AWD that will appear in future offerings.

 

[KevinRS]

While the structure may be there for a front motor, that may be for an actual different model, not just a AWD version of the truck. Probably something that doesn't need a frunk, like an SUV or cargo truck or other model with enclosed rear storage that may be announced after the truck is successful, and launch in 2+ years after the truck.
The current frunk only holds 2 carry-ons, reduce it at all and you are down to 1 carry on or less. You can't fit much groceries or anything. A half depth frunk would have some storage utility, but not much. It actually might be a good place to have a spare tire laying flat.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

As a long time frunk enthusiast (I also have an MR2) I have to say, nothing *NEEDS* a frunk. They're just a nice bonus.

 

[KevinRS]

As a long time frunk enthusiast (I also have an MR2) I have to say, nothing *NEEDS* a frunk. They're just a nice bonus.

A small truck used for everyday use kind of needs some enclosed locking storage out of view. If the only storage was the open bed or in view through the windows of the cab, you are kind of limited.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

A small truck used for everyday use kind of needs some enclosed locking storage out of view. If the only storage was the open bed or in view through the windows of the cab, you are kind of limited.

Again, that's a nice feature, but there's been nearly a century of single cab trucks that don't have frunks, so I think people would manage.

 

[phidauex]

They should be able to keep a frunk. Front motors are usually smaller than the rear, and the square nose of the truck leaves a lot of space. My MachE has a plentiful frunk with a front motor and a more sloping hood. I use it a lot - I think getting some secure/dirty storage for free is a huge EV advantage that isn’t well appreciated until it’s experienced.

 

[AZFox]

The current frunk only holds 2 carry-ons, reduce it at all and you are down to 1 carry on or less. You can't fit much groceries or anything. A half depth frunk would have some storage utility, but not much.

It'll hold two pizzas!
🍕👈🤤👉🍕

 

[KevinRS]

It'll hold two pizzas!
🍕👈🤤👉🍕

Probably would hold 5 or so pizzas.

 

[atx_ev]

I really don't think AWD is a priority.

It's possible Slate is making the most of their limitations by defending the choice to make it RWD, but I think it's more likely they genuinely see AWD as an example of an extra feature used for "up-selling" people, particularly on EVs.

BEVs have less to gain from AWD.

ICEVs almost always have a front-heavy weight distribution because that's where the heavy engine is. BEVs like the Slate can have a balanced (or rearward) weight distribution more easily thanks to most of their weight being in the battery.
That means there's going to be less grip to use on the front wheels anyways, except while braking (which causes weight to shift forward, thus front brakes being much larger/more powerful than rear brakes).
The instant response of an electric motor also gives them a traction advantage in general, since the motors/sensors can directly detect and react to slipping.

On the other side of things, AWD is more of a burden for an EV.

It's not an extra set of gears and shafts in the transmission (which does at least avoid some mechanical complexity), it's a whole extra motor. It's not as bad as having a second ICE, but it's still a big chunk of copper windings and electronics. Having the battery power two motors is also less efficient, sapping range.

Depending on the feedback they get once people are actually driving the trucks, it's possible Slate's next platform will be designed to better accomodate an optional front motor; but it also sounds like Slate prioritized a frunk over including an extra motor, and I think that's going to be much more practical and useful for most people.

they have already hinted that the original is already designed to fit a front motor.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

they have already hinted that the original is already designed to fit a front motor.

Haha, we're just gonna wander in circles on this until Slate give us more info.
GIVE US THE JUICY DETAILS SLATE!

 

[AZFox]

they have already hinted that the original is already designed to fit a front motor.

Do you have a reference for this?

What I've seen them say is that the Truck will be RWD only and models in their portfolio of future vehicles will have AWD.

People are seeing has half-baked AWD capability because the 1.0 model is built on the same platform that will be used for future AWD models.

 

[Johnologue]

Again, that's a nice feature, but there's been nearly a century of single cab trucks that don't have frunks, so I think people would manage.

I think the frunk is important for the people who wouldn't have bought a truck in the first place.