POLL: What are you most interested about with the Slate truck?

[RequiredInfo]

Okay, so we are discussing a future issue that may never come to fruition, then?

I do not think the regulations that mandate OBDII allow for manufacturers to use proprietary hardware closed from repair or replacement by non-OEM repair facilities; that is the whole impetus behind OBDII.

Perhaps there are loopholes with EV since EV do not fall under Federal emissions regulations, yet I think I recently read somewhere where CARB (i.e. California) is mandating OBDII-like repairability open source as it did for ICEV some 30+ years ago. I still doubt Slate is going to release repair information as open-source to the public considering the liabilities associated with potential electrocution risks working on high-voltage EV battery systems. Maybe they will.

In the Repair Pal thread it was reported that Slate says there will be no propriety manufacturer tools required to service the HV system (if I understand that correctly). I'm taking that with a grain of salt since I would think the unique architecture* the Slate EV battery will dictate specific battery system diagnostic tools (software at a minimum) to diagnose and service the battery.

*All manufacturer's EV batteries are comprised of unique architecture (in some form) using standard battery cells based on their service applications as a traction battery feeding a unique downstream EV drivetrain housed in unique individualized chassis.

There are several open BMS controllers for retrofits, grid packs, e-motos, etc. Orion makes ev-sized ones.

 

[sodamo]

Good point, I added it.

Thanks
upgraded my choices

 

[cadblu]

I was thinking “dent resistant plastic body panels” might be added to the list. I consider that a distinct feature that I’m actually looking forward to.

 

[GaRailroader]

I was thinking “dent resistant plastic body panels” might be added to the list. I consider that a distinct feature that I’m actually looking forward to.

Me too. Living in the southeast I’ve had multiple vehicles get hail damage. I’d appreciate the plastic panels for that reason alone.

 

[SichuanHot]

Eh, I don't see it this way, I think this whole right to repair issue is overblown. I have been repairing my own cars for 45+ years and have never found any of the manufacturers of my vehicles withholding information or parts that has prevented me from maintaining my fleet.

I have a subscription to All-Data for some of my cars and 3rd-party service information for others in my fleet. My newest, MY 2022, has been maintainable so far; just oil changes at this point. The dealership sells the oil and oil filters, and the vehicle uses standard metric fasteners.

And to be contrary, auto manufacturers make a significant profit from the public maintaining and repairing old cars via parts sales and dealership-level maintenance/service.

I don't see it as overblown at all. Older cars from the early 2000s from the Bentley Arnage to the humble Toyota Celica were all pretty easy to repair because they didn't have any overly complicated hardware that couldn't be accessed with a basic set of tools. Now all the infotainment systems that are baked into crucial parts of the car's function are found in basically every car that make DIY repair without oem tools a bear. I wouldn't touch any modern Mercedes with the MBUX system because of that.

Granted, I'll give you that some cars are still easier than most like stripped down Fords and the GR86/BRZ.

 

[E90400K]

I don't see it as overblown at all. Older cars from the early 2000s from the Bentley Arnage to the humble Toyota Celica were all pretty easy to repair because they didn't have any overly complicated hardware that couldn't be accessed with a basic set of tools. Now all the infotainment systems that are baked into crucial parts of the car's function are found in basically every car that make DIY repair without oem tools a bear. I wouldn't touch any modern Mercedes with the MBUX system because of that.

Granted, I'll give you that some cars are still easier than most like stripped down Fords and the GR86/BRZ.

Okay, but without training in repair of electronic hardware and software development, what general home DIY'er even has knowledge or a skills base to attempt board-level/component-level repairs of computer modules and infotainment system hardware? To get the education and skills training is far more expensive than buying an extended warranty that covers such systems and electronic hardware components for basically the life of the vehicle. The dealership tech is going to just replace the module and upload the software for it (if required).

 

[Bayfire2441]

I was thinking “dent resistant plastic body panels” might be added to the list. I consider that a distinct feature that I’m actually looking forward to.

Added that, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[ValkorTheOptimistic]

If it wasn't affordable and electric, I wouldn't be looking at it at all. But the dedication to repairability/longevity is the reason I'm interested.

"Low tech" EV is my dream. I'm looking forward to upgrading to your username from what I once heard derisively called a "disposable people-mover".

The openness is intriguing, especially the nebulously promised "Slate U", which will hopefully be a nice, modern upgrade to my Chilton repair manuals.

It's more like people don't want to pay for the detailed repair information they might need.

I'm technology-averse as concerns my vehicles, so I'm a bit out of the loop on some of this (15+ year old cars). Is this repair information readily available with affordable diagnostic hardware? Do I need a Picoscope and some kind of software license to deal with it? Honest question. I don't know the details of the gap between the basic OBDII reader and high-end mechanic documentation. I don't think I remember stumbling across many pieces of advice more complicated than "pull codes", but also see previous comment about vehicle vintage.

 

[E90400K]

"Low tech" EV is my dream. I'm looking forward to upgrading to your username from what I once heard derisively called a "disposable people-mover".

The openness is intriguing, especially the nebulously promised "Slate U", which will hopefully be a nice, modern upgrade to my Chilton repair manuals.



I'm technology-averse as concerns my vehicles, so I'm a bit out of the loop on some of this (15+ year old cars). Is this repair information readily available with affordable diagnostic hardware? Do I need a Picoscope and some kind of software license to deal with it? Honest question. I don't know the details of the gap between the basic OBDII reader and high-end mechanic documentation. I don't think I remember stumbling across many pieces of advice more complicated than "pull codes", but also see previous comment about vehicle vintage.

You just need a diagnostic tool that can read manufacturer specific trouble codes that are not part of the standardized OBDII system.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

I picked Truck form factor, and EV powertrain but that doesn't feel right. Size and affordability (for an American made product) were almost a tie. If the plain grey was the only option, I would be sold.
All the rest is extra fun stuff that I like. Bottom line I don't need a monster truck to get a few sheets of plywood, a couple of 2X4s, a gallon of paint and a bag of mulch.

 

[metroshot]

No franchised dealers!

Hate dealers due to their morals, ethics and business decisions that erodes customers trust.
Even dealer service depts are horrendous!

• PHEV: had to drive thru 2 counties to find a dealer that would not mark up the car.
• BEV #1: before finalizing the order, had to find a dealer that would not mark up the car - next county over.
• BEV #2: previous dealer changed their pricing and started to mark up the car. Spent 2 days calling around to find a dealer 2 counties away who would not mark up the car.

 

[Driven5]

At first I thought this would be tough to narrow down to just 2, but really there are only 2 items on the list that would be immediate deal breakers for me. Affordability and (this) EV powertrain... Both with major caveats:

1) The mid-20's blank Slate thing is important to hit for me, as its competing with used cars for my money, but NOT range and/or features for the money.

2) Not specifically that it's 'an' EV powertrain, as it's competing with gas cars for my money, but the combination of this particular EV powertrain. Adequate range allowing adequate lightness allowing adequate performance from adequate power, combined with RWD rather than FWD or AWD.

 

[cadblu]

Adequate range allowing adequate lightness allowing adequate performance from adequate power, combined with RWD rather than FWD or AWD.

I think your conclusion is well stated. In fact, you are raising an interesting point regarding Slate's long-term appeal to the car buying community. Every aspect of the truck is scaled to affordability and what's essential, nothing more, nothing less. Totally...adequate. Now if Slate is rated "adequate" in every category, will it be a hit? How long do "adequate vehicles" fall out of favor with the consumer? I am struggling with how I will feel about Slate 2 or 3 years down the road after all the excitement and new car smell wears off. I look forward to Jay Leno's hands on review and find out where this truck really shines.

 

[AZFox]

Fewer features ("removing what isn't a car") doesn't equate to "mere adequacy", it equates to Simplicity By Design.

Some people want to own a car that does fewer things, but does them well.

 

[AZFox]

I am struggling with how I will feel about Slate 2 or 3 years down the road after all the excitement and new car smell wears off.