Slate app - free or subscription?

[Tom Sawyer]

After 3 years, new Mazdas require a subscription to access the car via an app. That's just for remote start (only on automatics) and a few small features.

Toyota/Lexus/Subaru/Kia/Hyundai/Jeep are all similar in their feature/subscription model.

Just to clarify, is that subscription required to use the app, or is it for connectivity? By your description, it sounds like connectivity. And that connectivity is usually hosted by some third party, who won't give their services away for free (even my Model 3 uses cellular, not Starlink.)

Maybe a free introductory period to get you hooked.

 

[beatle]

Some of the manufacturers offer tiers or packages. Some features that are standard with Tesla/Rivian require payment beyond the trial period, though some trial periods can last a few years. Here is Toyota for example:

Mazda has no streaming option but they still want me to pay $10/mo to check my tire pressures (when last driven), locks, and odometer.

I'm not going to paste screenshots of all the others, but in general, most manufacturers require some level of subscription even if you're not streaming. This is also part of why AA/CP is so popular. I pay $150/year for Rivian's connectivity features as I stream Spotify and use navigation virtually every time I'm in the truck, but I have no interest in Mazda's offering. My '25 Miata has a reliable AA/CP infotainment though, and Rivian doesn't. Similarly, Toyota's $25/mo tier is ridiculous for what it offers.

 

[cadblu]

I'm not going to paste screenshots of all the others, but in general, most manufacturers require some level of subscription even if you're not streaming. This is also part of why AA/CP is so popular. I pay $150/year for Rivian's connectivity features as I stream Spotify and use navigation virtually every time I'm in the truck, but I have no interest in Mazda's offering. My '25 Miata has a reliable AA/CP infotainment though, and Rivian doesn't. Similarly, Toyota's $25/mo tier is ridiculous for what it offers.

Last year, Tesla discontinued its music streaming service known as “Slacker” which evolved into “X” that was included in premium connectivity. I was pleasantly surprised that I’m still able to use the X streaming for free, although it now includes ads. At about the same time, they added “Spotify free” service in an OTA update. Tune-In radio is also available at no additional charge.

 

[AZFox]

I'm not 100% sure what you are getting at by suggesting there are other vehicles out there with 'automagickal updates' if that's what I want.

What I'm getting at is that the Blank Slate is being designed as an alternative to vehicles with a lot of unnecessary whiz-bang tech features.

It's easy to project features of existing EVs (wireless connectivity, subscription features, automagickal updates, ...) onto the Slate, but the Truck will be a different type of vehicle than they are.

This is from the reveal event:

Our current automotive system is broken.​

​

In just the last 20 years, new car prices have more than doubled. Cars are getting bigger, fancier, and more expensive because of stuff.​

​

Night vision, fragrance diffusers, Wi-Fi, self-driving, self-parking, crystal infused speakers. It's all out there.​

​

Know what's not out there? An affordable, reliable new American vehicle that just happens to be electric.​

​

We looked a industry was doing and did the opposite. Instead of asking what can we add to differentiate, we asked what can we take away.​

​

Our answer, everything that's not a car.​

​

We call it the Blank Slate: a radically simple, radically affordable, radically personalizable car that you can be proud to show off.​

 

[Tom Sawyer]

What I'm getting at is that the Blank Slate is being designed as an alternative to vehicles with a lot of unnecessary whiz-bang tech features.

It's easy to project features of existing EVs (wireless connectivity, subscription features, automagickal updates, ...) onto the Slate, but the Truck will be a different type of vehicle than they are.

This is from the reveal event:

Our current automotive system is broken.​

​

In just the last 20 years, new car prices have more than doubled. Cars are getting bigger, fancier, and more expensive because of stuff.​

​

Night vision, fragrance diffusers, Wi-Fi, self-driving, self-parking, crystal infused speakers. It's all out there.​

​

Know what's not out there? An affordable, reliable new American vehicle that just happens to be electric.​

​

We looked a industry was doing and did the opposite. Instead of asking what can we add to differentiate, we asked what can we take away.​

​

Our answer, everything that's not a car.​

​

We call it the Blank Slate: a radically simple, radically affordable, radically personalizable car that you can be proud to show off.​

Thanks AZFox for your reply. I saw the reveal event shortly after it happened and several times since. If that were the only info released by Slate, there wouldn't be much to discuss here.

Just to reiterate, I'm not trying to project features from other EVs onto the Slate; the Slate design is going to be whatever the company comes up with. Sure, there are some features I've used with my Model 3 that come in handy, but I'm not making any demands. I just hope that they are successful in marketing this truck. In that sense, I'm right there with you.

Just to narrow this down, I was questioning the premise that software updates cause an EV to become an unusable brick. If that is a pervasive problem, I'd like to know more about it. Since there's little evidence to support that claim, I have to conclude it's unfounded hand-wringing. Not to say that you made this claim, but I'm not certain if you support it or not.

Just to clarify, do you own a Tesla or any other EV? I don't see one listed in your Vehicles.

Edit: Never mind, I can see from the Slate Reservations Pre-Order Tracking List that this will be your first EV. I hope it works out!

 

[AZFox]

Just to narrow this down, I was questioning the premise that software updates cause an EV to become an unusable brick.

This isn't a hill I would die on, but I understand it.

I don't need to crack my head before deciding a motorcycle helmet is a good idea.

Do you know anyone in I.T.? If so, ask them about the wisdom of outomagickally applying software updates.

CrowdStrike's automatic updates went smoothly until they didn't.

A better practice for software updates is to read the Release Notes and apply the update if it's necessary. Otherwise wait and see...

 

[AZFox]

Just to clarify, do you own a Tesla or any other EV?

I'm not an EV owner.

The Slate's appeal isn't because it's an EV, it's because they are endeavoring to make "an affordable, reliable new American vehicle that just happens to be electric."

The CEO alludes to this point by saying "The EV [powertrain] is the least interesting thing about it".

 

[Tom Sawyer]

This isn't a hill I would die on, but I understand it.

I don't need to crack my head before deciding a motorcycle helmet is a good idea.

Do you know anyone in I.T.? If so, ask them about the wisdom of outomagickally applying software updates.

CrowdStrike's automatic updates went smoothly until they didn't.

A better practice for software updates is to read the Release Notes and apply the update if it's necessary. Otherwise wait and see...

1. I wouldn't exactly equate riding a motorcycle without a helmet with EV software updates... But since you brought up the analogy, have you ridden without a helmet? I would guess probably not since you seem fairly risk averse. In any case, there's nothing quite like riding without a helmet (can confirm.). Maybe that illustrates our different approaches to this.

2. I know some folks in IT and am familiar with updates that go wrong including the CrowdStrike debacle. But thankfully, I haven't experienced any catastrophic software updates that's bricked my EV. So far, all the updates have been (presumably) vetted before distribution and haven't caused my EV to become unusable.

Here's hoping Slate has the same success with their updates.

I'm not an EV owner.

The Slate's appeal isn't because it's an EV, it's because they are endeavoring to make "an affordable, reliable new American vehicle that just happens to be electric."

The CEO alludes to this point by saying "The EV [powertrain] is the least interesting thing about it".

Again, I hope it works out for you. I think EVs are great and hope more drivers consider one. 👍

 

[AZFox]

I think EVs are great and hope more drivers consider one. 👍

It'll happen when EV supply more closely matches mainstream buyer demand.

EVs that have been produced thus far are not what the mainstream buyer is looking for.

Government-induced artificial demand inadvertently caused manufacturers to produce expensive tech-heavy computers-on-wheels with things like subscription features and OTA updates.

Slate Auto looked at what industry was doing and set about to do the opposite: create a practical and affordable electric car.

It's an idea that just might work!

 

[KevinRS]

It'll happen when EV supply more closely matches mainstream buyer demand.

EVs that have been produced thus far are not what the mainstream buyer is looking for.

Government-induced artificial demand inadvertently caused manufacturers to produce expensive tech-heavy computers-on-wheels with things like subscription features and OTA updates.

Slate Auto looked at what industry was doing and set about to do the opposite: create a practical and affordable electric car.

It's an idea that just might work!

The subscriptions and such are not something that is exclusive to EVs Look at any mid-range trim and up on mid-range SUVs and up, they mostly have those same subscription features. The mainstream buyer has been pushed up and up into higher trims to get 1 or 2 features they want, and even paint choices.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

It'll happen when EV supply more closely matches mainstream buyer demand.

EVs that have been produced thus far are not what the mainstream buyer is looking for.

Government-induced artificial demand inadvertently caused manufacturers to produce expensive tech-heavy computers-on-wheels with things like subscription features and OTA updates.

Slate Auto looked at what industry was doing and set about to do the opposite: create a practical and affordable electric car.

It's an idea that just might work!

Interesting theory!

It’ll be telling to see which company sells more models - Tesla, Rivian or Slate.

Before long we’ll be complaining about lack of options - It’s already happening here on this forum. 🤣

 

[metroshot]

Interesting theory!

It’ll be telling to see which company sells more models - Tesla, Rivian or Slate.

Before long we’ll be complaining about lack of options - It’s already happening here on this forum. 🤣

Don't forget the new Ford sub $30K EV coming out soon to replace the discontinued Lightning!

I am waiting for Ford as I have owned both the Lightning and currently have the Mach E which have been problem free (except for recalls) of all new cars I have owned over 40 years.

So when it comes time, it will be a race between Slate, Ford, and Scout EVs....

 

[cadblu]

Interesting theory!

It’ll be telling to see which company sells more models - Tesla, Rivian or Slate.

Before long we’ll be complaining about lack of options - It’s already happening here on this forum. 🤣

All valid points. I predict that many of us coming from 'full featured' vehicles will take some time getting used to a no-frills truck. And after living a while with the Slate, rest assured many of us will be saying "I wish the Slate could do this" and looking for ways to fill in the 'blanks' in the blank Slate. LOL

 

[beatle]

All valid points. I predict that many of us coming from 'full featured' vehicles will take some time getting used to a no-frills truck. And after living a while with the Slate, rest assured many of us will be saying "I wish the Slate could do this" and looking for ways to fill in the 'blanks' in the blank Slate.

I think Slate is banking on people either not needing a particular feature, or making it easy for people to roll their own to get it. Paint is one of the most obvious unnecessary features that is solved by using panels that can't rust or corrode. If people want different colors, they can wrap it.

Similarly, I hope infotainment/stereo can easily be outfitted nicely. I used to install an aftermarket stereo in every vehicle I owned until the built-in options made it prohibitive. A good stereo is important to me so it's on my short list of modifications to do to the truck, but I can see why Slate doesn't include one. Hopefully the platform makes it easy to add a good stereo in the same way the body panels are fitted for easy wrapping.

 

[sodamo]

All valid points. I predict that many of us coming from 'full featured' vehicles will take some time getting used to a no-frills truck. And after living a while with the Slate, rest assured many of us will be saying "I wish the Slate could do this" and looking for ways to fill in the 'blanks' in the blank Slate. LOL

Not so sure, many of us, particularly old farts came from no frills and will comfortable getting back.