Q&A with CEO Chris Barman (Dec 16, 2025). Slateforums gets a shout out 🙌

[Cody122]

Didn't get my question answered.

Can you get the SUV/Fastback without seats?

 

[sodamo]

Didn't get my question answered.

Can you get the SUV/Fastback without seats?

My question as well, and I think others.
Was dog comment meant to relate?
i asked again.
also $5k would be a non started, especially if it meant removing seat and rollbar.

 

[AZFox]

Still holding onto hope for a just-a-shell + half-partition Canine Carrier Combo.
🤞🦊🌵

 

[E90400K]

Neither Doug nor anyone else can review a production Slate, because there is no completed assembly line to build them. Hand built prototypes have about as much to do with production vehicles as cats do with dogs.

FWIW, I thought the whole presentation was incredibly lame, and I was pretty enthusiastic going in. The first bit of it, I got the impression that she was reading the cards and thinking "our reservation holders are morons". Several of her answeres were patronizing evasions, like the AWD question.

Lame or not, it was nice of them to take the time to do the video. It shows they're trying. And we got to see some robots on pedestals.

I had the exact same reaction.

 

[KevinRS]

I think part of the issue is a lot of questions were coming from people who aren't watching this forum, or even searching out every detail they can find elsewhere.

So they probably had a whole series of questions about the backup camera, probably half of them really wanted to know where the screen was, while we've seen the camera is in the tailgate handle, and the screen in the dash.

On flat towing, they probably really did look into it, but couldn't find a way to make it work without changing components of the drive train, that have probably been locked in for 12 months, since before we heard of Slate, and would cost too much to change, so she honestly answered it.

Half of the questions were asking things that weren't going to have a definitive answer. "How it does in the cold?" were they expecting numbers? One on one I'd qualify with: How far do you intend on driving in the cold, and are you starting from a charger? If starting from a charger the battery and cab are likely going to be pre-heated, and unless the cold is extreme, just the heat generated in the battery while discharging while driving will mean it needs very little heating in transit.

I didn't really see any signs that they were still in demo and construction at the factory, so maybe a sign that they are on track for the planned finishing of the line by the end of the year and producing test and certification units EARLY next year. As soon as they have the preliminary testing on production test units done, they can start making Real demo units to take out to events, and once they build enough, start having reviewers and customers do test drives.

 

[E90400K]

I have to say she didn't win me over. She was condescending and trying to be cute (but was nerdish).

She came across as really not wanting to be there answering (stupid) questions. Yes, most people cannot write well, but the raw questions should have been edited to read better so to avoid the condescending attitude with the answers.

Not a win-win...

 

[KevinRS]

I have to say she didn't win me over. She was condescending and trying to be cute (but was nerdish).

She came across as really not wanting to be there answering (stupid) questions. Yes, most people cannot write well, but the raw questions should have been edited to read better so to avoid the condescending attitude with the answers.

Not a win-win...

Can't please everyone though, and people would be upset that their exact question wasn't answered. I think a lot of questions were answered with short answers so they could fit a lot in 10 minutes. Hopefully we'll get some more in depth answers and details in the new year.

 

[Luxrage]

I have to say she didn't win me over. She was condescending and trying to be cute (but was nerdish).

She came across as really not wanting to be there answering (stupid) questions. Yes, most people cannot write well, but the raw questions should have been edited to read better so to avoid the condescending attitude with the answers.

Not a win-win...

I was hoping for at LEAST a little more technical answers. Like for the flat towing, she could have at least gave a reason instead of just no. Like, "No, the combination motor drivetrain won't allow for a disconnect."

 

[sodamo]

Would be nice to see a more informative, detailed followup session. I’m sure they have the questions.

 

[Susan]

My question as well, and I think others.
Was dog comment meant to relate?
i asked again.
also $5k would be a non started, especially if it meant removing seat and rollbar.

I also asked that question. SUV kit without seats/rollbars or cargo kit with windows.

No idea what the dog question was either. And no idea about the solo camping thing either.

 

[E90400K]

Can't please everyone though, and people would be upset that their exact question wasn't answered. I think a lot of questions were answered with short answers so they could fit a lot in 10 minutes. Hopefully we'll get some more in depth answers and details in the new year.

I just didn't like the whole approach because it didn't seem to be taken seriously, especially after Slate initiated the idea the CEO answer queries from reservation holders.

I'm glad I did not ask the few questions I have regarding the business plan. I'm sure they would not have been taken seriously.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

This was exactly what I expected. IMHO Slate has (probably for good reason) announced about 6 months earlier that expected. The CEO is caught between a rock and a hard place; Trying to maintain momentum but not being able to say much of substance.. The answers NOT given were telling i.e. room for single or double DIN radios. Probably will not know until production begins...depends on how much stuff is going on behind the dash. This is where fractions of inches matter. Those of us that remember pickups pre 1980s know that you don't need 4WD or AWD...just some good snow tires, a cheap ride that most cops didn't even give a second glance to, but you would not be dating the prom queen anytime soon. I think Slate will be telling a different story once they gain visibility. Just too bad some duffis has the Detroit Electric name plate.

 

[cadblu]

Does anyone know what is meant by "Solo Camper/Car Camping Option"?

I think the reference looks something like this, eg Cybertruck, if you can imagine a tent over the pickup bed:

 

[metroshot]

RWD announcement was the winner for me.

Can't stand FWD drivetrains these days - they take the fun out of driving...

 

[E90400K]

RWD announcement was the winner for me.

Can't stand FWD drivetrains these days - they take the fun out of driving...

What I really liked was her comment regarding the 50/50 weight balance. I think I lot of us were thinking (hoping) because of the prospective battery placement, the chassis balance would be 50/50. It's great to get that confirmation. As one who has been driving cars for 30+ years from a manufacturer whose engineering ethos was only selling rear-drive, 50/50 weight balance chassis (well, until recently). I find this excellent news.

Conversely, her comment about the longevity of the wrap, was really off putting to me. I'm not going to be rewrapping my Slate every 3 years. I will look into painting mine.