Slate app - free or subscription?

[Bayfire2441]

I'm not really computer literate, but does this mean the Slate would be able to connect to Wi-Fi, or would it pair with your phone Wi-Fi hotspot? It says the app will connect with the Slate remotely.

I believe the implementation we are talking about would see the Slate acting as a router that your phone can connect to via WiFi to control. This would only work if your phone was within WiFi range for your phone to connect to though.

 

[Bayfire2441]

You asked, "what else do we need?" but you don't need the HVAC control or remote door locks either. They're also just "nice-to-haves." I outlined a few things to add if you're already making a connection to the truck, which Slate is.

By incorporating some remote features, Slate obviously wants to appeal to the potential buyers who do really think you need them, even in a basic EV.

That said, I think a lot of these features may not be possible if the only wireless link to the truck is via bluetooth, though I think a wifi connection would bring them to life at least at home if your AP reaches your truck.

I hope the app will give us some way to precondition the battery but other than that, I agree with the rest being just nice to haves.

 

[KevinRS]

Here is a screen clip of Slate's response back in May 2025. I'm somewhat intrigued by the bold text "and more":

"The Slate App will allow you to remotely activate climate control, lock / unlock doors, and more.

Now, if we can already activate the climate control remotely, lock and unlock doors, what more do we need?

Since it has already been established there is no built-in cellular connection in the truck, the app would connect to the vehicle via Wi Fi (your phone and Slate on same Wi Fi connection), or Bluetooth, say if you're within a 35-foot radius.

Finally, I would expect the app and all its intended functions to be completely "free" ... doesn't that fit with the vehicle's claim to affordability?

The problem is we can't really read too much into any one response they give. There has been no other mention listing just what kind of remote access we would have, and nothing at all about how that connection happens. It has been said in interviews that the truck doesn't have a wireless capability. It's entirely possible for one of their reps to make a mistake, we've just got to wait for Slate to actually start releasing some real info.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Two thoughts:
1. I would like to avoid congestion fees at busy charging stations when done charging, and
2. I would also like to not worry about security and/or hacking, no matter what connection method is implemented.

 

[cadblu]

Two thoughts:
1. I would like to avoid congestion fees at busy charging stations when done charging, and
2. I would also like to not worry about security and/or hacking, no matter what connection method is implemented.

From my experience, there is seemingly no way to avoid the congestion fees. In fact, Tesla has implemented TWO fees:

1. a fee of 50 cents per minute after you reach an 80% SOC. This presents a problem if your next destination doesn't have a charger close by.

2. a fee of 50 cents per minute once your charging session is complete. You have a 5-minute grace period to move your vehicle. You need to take this into consideration if you go shopping and there's a line at the checkouts.

Although it hasn't yet happened to me, it's conceivable that you could be charged BOTH fees under certain circumstances. You get stuck on a long line at Target or somehow arrive 15 minutes late after getting your Starbucks, that just costed you an extra $15, compliments of Tesla.

 

[KevinRS]

From my experience, there is seemingly no way to avoid the congestion fees. In fact, Tesla has implemented TWO fees:

1. a fee of 50 cents per minute after you reach an 80% SOC. This presents a problem if your next destination doesn't have a charger close by.

2. a fee of 50 cents per minute once your charging session is complete. You have a 5-minute grace period to move your vehicle. You need to take this into consideration if you go shopping and there's a line at the checkouts.

Although it hasn't yet happened to me, it's conceivable that you could be charged BOTH fees under certain circumstances. You get stuck on a long line at Target or somehow arrive 15 minutes late after getting your Starbucks, that just costed you an extra $15, compliments of Tesla.

I haven't looked into how they are implemented, but I can understand such fees, if they only come into effect when the chargers are at or near capacity.
That kind of fee would be another reason for 2 way wireless contact between your phone and the truck, so you can get things like a notice when you hit certain charging thresholds, and notice if such fees are going to go into effect.

 

[AZFox]

I have a 2023 ICE Ford, which has a cell modem that is connected via AT&T. I get a lot of value from that cellular connection, yet Ford charges me nothing for it. Maybe Ford has a great deal with AT&T.

"If you’re not paying for it, you’re not the customer; you’re the product being sold."

 

[AZFox]

Later they described a "Secure Key Ignition Module" where the truck's fob passes a code to the vehicle’s control system via physical contacts, meaning it requires inserting the fob into a slot on the dash.

I asked this:

I've read that the truck's fob passes a code to the vehicle’s control system via physical contacts.​

Does the "Secure Key Ignition Module" require inserting the fob into a slot on the dash?​

Is there NFC?​

Will the truck have a Start button?​

and received this reply:

At this stage, specifics around the final implementation of the key, ignition module, and start process are still being finalized. Details like whether the fob inserts into a dash slot, uses NFC or similar technology, or includes a dedicated Start button will be shared once production begins and those systems are fully locked.​

​

Our approach across the vehicle is to keep things simple, secure, and intentional, without adding complexity that doesn’t serve the driver. As we get closer to launch, we’ll publish clear, practical explanations of how these features work so there are no surprises.​

Edit:
Chris Barman:

"[...]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. [...]”​

source

 

[YDR37]

"If you’re not paying for it, you’re not the customer; you’re the product being sold."

Any connected car from any manufacturer can -- and probably does -- collect and transmit data on where and how you drive. And yes, that data is collected and transmitted at no cost to the user, because it has value to the manufacturer.

But that's a separate issue from the question of whether a user's phone app is paid or free. A connected car will collect and transmit data regardless of whether the user's phone app is free, or available only by subscription, or never even installed at all.

By making the app free, Ford allows users to also benefit from the vehicle connectivity at no cost, which discourages them from unplugging the modem and cutting off the flow of data.

 

[AZFox]

I believe the implementation we are talking about would see the Slate acting as a router that your phone can connect to via WiFi to control.

This is a BAD idea.

It isn't necessary, introduces security risk, and generally belies Slate's Radically Simple ethos.

I would MUCH prefer the Secure Key Ignition Module described by the CEO thusly:

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​

Also note that dash has never been shown with a Start button.

 

[YDR37]

Maybe Ford has a great deal with the data brokers where they sell the info your truck gathers, and/or they value the ability to push OTA updates to your truck more than that connection to AT&T costs them. I think it's more of the latter, but the former is still a possibility.

Ford can and does push over-the-air software updates to the vehicle. In fact, the app allows me to see recent updates, and to schedule update installations for the middle of the night. They may well sell data too; did not carefully read their privacy policies.

It is possible to opt out of at least some of the connected features. I did it unintentionally once, and only realized it when the app would no longer show me the vehicle's current location.

 

[KevinRS]

I doubt that the truck would be showing up as a router, that has no internet, for the phone to connect to. It's really all complete speculation how and if there will be any wireless connection between phone and truck at all, the truck's only connection being through a cable to the phone to do everything from see battery status to downloading updates has been pretty strongly implied.
On the start button question, all we have seen have been mockups, not sure how they have started at all, with no button or anything. They may have had a simple toggle switch hidden behind the dash. That kind of thing would probably be why they didn't let anyone at all test drive them.

 

[YDR37]

I live in a mountainous rural area where cell coverage is spotty at best. I have zero cell coverage at my home and park away from the house under a metal-roof carport so the Bronco can't pick up the Wifi. Sync 4 does not like such a limited-grid environment. I just turned off the modem and it solved all my issues. It's like 1980 all over again. Love it!

Might consider connecting to Wifi periodically, possibly using a Wifi range extender if necessary, to get software updates.

 

[Bayfire2441]

This is a BAD idea.

It isn't necessary, introduces security risk, and generally belies Slate's Radically Simple ethos.

I would MUCH prefer the Secure Key Ignition Module described by the CEO thusly:

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​

Also note that dash has never been shown with a Start button.

I agree. Just trying to offer an explanation for things. Not that I'm very knowledgeable on the topic.

 

[E90400K]

Might consider connecting to Wifi periodically, possibly using a Wifi range extender if necessary, to get software updates.

That's the point, I don't want any SW updates.