Slate app - free or subscription?

[smack daddy]

I was just wondering if there is going to be a monthly subscription or yearly subscription or is the app going to be free? I hope free that is one of the reasons I probably will never buy another car from the legacy automobile companies I am not going to keep paying them something just to use certain features on the car. Has anyone heard anything.

 

[The Weatherman]

It will be free for the basics and might be a subscription service for the more advanced features assuming it has any.

The basics would things like:
Lock/Unlock
Start/Shutdown

Advanced:
Location
Start a Charge
Charge Limit Adjustment
Stop Charge

Or some combination of the above.

 

[AZFox]

Buying a vehicle and then paying to rent its features is unacceptable.

The only legitimate thing I can think of is some sort of hardware dongle and wireless service that allows remote access via the app, where the subscription is for the wireless service part.

See also:
Subscription Features Poll

 

[Letas]

It will be free for the basics and might be a subscription service for the more advanced features assuming it has any.

The basics would things like:
Lock/Unlock
Start/Shutdown

Advanced:
Location
Start a Charge
Charge Limit Adjustment
Stop Charge

Or some combination of the above.

I wouldn’t expect lock/unlock or on/off for free, unless they plan on using Bluetooth? (Which would be silly, your keys range is similar or better than Bluetooth.)

In all modern vehicles as far as I’m aware, that’s a wireless function (think cellular) that requires connectivity via a third party. Aka $$$

 

[YDR37]

I wouldn’t expect lock/unlock or on/off for free, unless they plan on using Bluetooth? (Which would be silly, your keys range is similar or better than Bluetooth.)

In all modern vehicles as far as I’m aware, that’s a wireless function (think cellular) that requires connectivity via a third party. Aka $$$

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.

First, I can connect to the vehicle remotely using the Ford app. The app allows remote lock/unlock and remote start/shutdown, plus it shows vehicle location and current status info (like odometer, fuel level, oil life, washer fluid level, and tire pressures). The app is clearly using the AT&T cell connection, but there are no subscription charges or fees to the user.

Second, I have SiriusXM 360L radio service in the vehicle. Many of the channels are transmitted via satellite, so I can receive them anywhere. But if I am in an area with cell reception (which is most, but not all, of the time), then I can get additional channels, which are streamed through the vehicle's cell modem. I pay the standard subscription for SiriusXM service, but there is no extra charge for streaming through the vehicle modem. SiriusXM has some deal with Ford for this.

So at least one manufacturer (Ford) doesn't charge fees or subscriptions to users for basic use of the vehicle's cellular connectivity. However, I believe that other companies do charge such fees.

I can't use the vehicle modem as a free Wi-Fi hotspot though. That would cost $225/year (unlimited data) to AT&T.

 

[KevinRS]

So far there has been nothing mentioned as an actual subscription item for Slate. The app itself will be free, the data will be through whatever provider you already have. There has only been early mention that there may be some subscription features, and even in the much more recent Q&A she had nothing to mention.
The only bluetooth that has been mentioned has been add on speakers and add on steering wheel buttons, both of which likely would connect to your phone, and not some built in bluetooth on the truck.
My thinking would be that there could be one or more possible add on dongle type accessories, that could add bluetooth, wifi, cellular. some other connection or possibly a combo. Just bluetooth or wifi would be unlikely to add anything that would need a subscription, cellular could at least need a subscription for service, but would allow true remote access and hotspot capabilities.

 

[RetiredOnPaper]

I will hold fire on this until I hear direct from Slate. They did mention in the early reveal that updates will be through the app. Even though Slate starts life as a basic EV, not much more than a road legal golf cart, it does have an internal computer. It will have to have a way to be programed for things like tire size, added air bags, updated battery management, etc. Sorry, some tech you just can't get away from. Personally I would prefer to control such things through a phone app rather than have to go to a service center or buy a dongle. Also, I am glad that it can be accessed through a phone app. Much better than trying to drill thru 37 layers of sub menus to turn on the windshield wipers.

 

[cadblu]

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?

 

[beatle]

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.

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.

I will hold fire on this until I hear direct from Slate. They did mention in the early reveal that updates will be through the app. Even though Slate starts life as a basic EV, not much more than a road legal golf cart, it does have an internal computer. It will have to have a way to be programed for things like tire size, added air bags, updated battery management, etc. Sorry, some tech you just can't get away from.

They can get away from these things without an app or a cell/wifi network, but they probably won't. Historically (and still somewhat currently) if there were a problem with the programming of a module, you'd need to bring the vehicle into the dealership and have them reprogram or even replace the module. This is expensive for the manufacturer and annoying to the owner.

This happened to Miata deliveries last spring, where Mazda had an issue in the module that lights up the traction control light in the gauge cluster. They had to physically replace the module in all of these cars before they could be delivered, and since they needed new parts to do it, the wait time was 3-4 months. It was a pretty terrible situation for everyone involved.

Alternatively, if that were a connected, remotely programmable module, they could have updated the software on it OTA while the cars sat in the port.

Specific to the OP's question about the app, I don't think there will be any cost for that, at least for several years. Since the truck has no connection of its own, I think Slate will be depending on you to update the truck's software when you connect your phone to it, and if that's the case, they'd light a lot of potential goodwill on fire by asking their customers to do something for "them" and then charge you for any convenience that an app brings you.

 

[beatle]

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

Remote charging functions/info are really nice to have: start/stop charge, view SoC, view current charging stats (volts/amps/watts), adjust charging amps, view current charge session completion, view charging logs, see current estimated range, etc.

Some vehicles also show the tire pressures, sound an alarm, flash the lights, show the odometer, view camera feeds, etc. I think these can all be nice-to-haves but I could definitely live without them. Adding information to the remote connection can be pretty nice and inexpensive to add to an app once you've established the connection and exposed those systems to it.

 

[E90400K]

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.

First, I can connect to the vehicle remotely using the Ford app. The app allows remote lock/unlock and remote start/shutdown, plus it shows vehicle location and current status info (like odometer, fuel level, oil life, washer fluid level, and tire pressures). The app is clearly using the AT&T cell connection, but there are no subscription charges or fees to the user.

Second, I have SiriusXM 360L radio service in the vehicle. Many of the channels are transmitted via satellite, so I can receive them anywhere. But if I am in an area with cell reception (which is most, but not all, of the time), then I can get additional channels, which are streamed through the vehicle's cell modem. I pay the standard subscription for SiriusXM service, but there is no extra charge for streaming through the vehicle modem. SiriusXM has some deal with Ford for this.

So at least one manufacturer (Ford) doesn't charge fees or subscriptions to users for basic use of the vehicle's cellular connectivity. However, I believe that other companies do charge such fees.

I can't use the vehicle modem as a free Wi-Fi hotspot though. That would cost $225/year (unlimited data) to AT&T.

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!

 

[The Weatherman]

We have a KIA EV6 that has a basic functionality app that is included which you can also add many additional features to by a monthly subscription.

I do not and will not pay a subscription fee for those enhanced features for the KIA so I definitely will not pay for what will likely be a far less robust app for the Slate.

 

[cadblu]

Remote charging functions/info are really nice to have: start/stop charge, view SoC, view current charging stats (volts/amps/watts), adjust charging amps, view current charge session completion, view charging logs, see current estimated range, etc.

Some vehicles also show the tire pressures, sound an alarm, flash the lights, show the odometer, view camera feeds, etc. I think these can all be nice-to-haves but I could definitely live without them. Adding information to the remote connection can be pretty nice and inexpensive to add to an app once you've established the connection and exposed those systems to it.

I don't disagree, and in fact I have all these features and more on my other vehicles. But isn't the appeal of the Slate to have a basic, no frills ultra-affordable vehicle, free from all the electronic tech which ultimately adds complexity, cost, and reliability issues?

My point is, if you must have all the electronic wizardry, and are not satisfied with "just the basics"....
then maybe a Slate is not for you.

 

[AKrietzer]

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?

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.

 

[beatle]

Remote charging functions/info are really nice to have: start/stop charge, view SoC, view current charging stats (volts/amps/watts), adjust charging amps, view current charge session completion, view charging logs, see current estimated range, etc.

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.