Slate Factory Update Video & POV Tour (January 29, 2026)

[TikiCaster]

Trucking building Robots! Now that that is good news!

 

[jmcarter]

Since I’m one of the semi-bold (with only $50 in the game) I got the email but the video didn’t encourage me that much. Programmers, engineers, general workforce, training, safety vehicles, etc. and 30 years of working in large program introduction (with major capital backing) would indicate mid-2027 production being optimistic. Patience will be rewarded hopefully because I’m sure as heck excited about the concept.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Since I’m one of the semi-bold (with only $50 in the game) I got the email but the video didn’t encourage me that much. Programmers, engineers, general workforce, training, safety vehicles, etc. and 30 years of working in large program introduction (with major capital backing) would indicate mid-2027 production being optimistic. Patience will be rewarded hopefully because I’m sure as heck excited about the concept.

I agree! It’s a heavy lift.

 

[metroshot]

And I've been wondering how Slate will support the early adopters in this big experiment.

If it was anything like Ford who was very sensitive to any issues when they first rolled out the EV lineups, I can say as Lightning buyer, Ford kept very close any social media posts and addressed them.

My first year 2022 Lightning EV truck was flawless from day 1.

Hoping Slate will also be on top of their game.

 

[jmcarter]

As one of the early adopters for ID.4’s one would think I’d wait a few years but seems like pushing out $50 worth of chips is reasonable in this case.

 

[E90400K]

Since I’m one of the semi-bold (with only $50 in the game) I got the email but the video didn’t encourage me that much. Programmers, engineers, general workforce, training, safety vehicles, etc. and 30 years of working in large program introduction (with major capital backing) would indicate mid-2027 production being optimistic. Patience will be rewarded hopefully because I’m sure as heck excited about the concept.

What caught my interest is the very large and expensive 3D laser coordinate measuring machine for "ensuring every part fits exactly". It would imply every truck assembly is going to pass through it at some point in the assembly process? That would seem like a bottleneck on the assembly line. Generally, CMM are used for tooling dimensional checks and to validate part dimensions from the tooling as a periodic quality check. I can see such a large CMM used to validate the construction process of the Slateboard chassis and attachment of major driveline and body components. I guess Slate needed one on-site.

 

[E90400K]

I agree! It’s a heavy lift.

Especially since the whole Slate project is so far just barely (if) 3 years in gestation.

 

[Trail Seeker]

And I've been wondering how Slate will support the early adopters in this big experiment.

Agreed. That was my question to the recent Q&A.

When we have fantasies about Slate handholding early adopters, I suggest rethinking that.

I'm not expecting any hand holding but there are two things Slate can do to shore up confidence in early adopters.

Communication - if a problem is found, communicate what the issue is, what the status of the solution is, and what the options are for resolution.

Provide Options - if a new part solves an early issue, make sure it's available for purchase for existing owners.

The nice thing about Slate is that it's a fairly straightforward vehicle. Even if they were to go out of business, it's highly likely there will be a community of enthusiasts who continue to support continued ownership.

I think this whole experience is going to be a hell of a good time.

 

[KevinRS]

What caught my interest is the very large and expensive 3D laser coordinate measuring machine for "ensuring every part fits exactly". It would imply every truck assembly is going to pass through it at some point in the assembly process? That would seem like a bottleneck on the assembly line. Generally, CMM are used for tooling dimensional checks and to validate part dimensions from the tooling as a periodic quality check. I can see such a large CMM used to validate the construction process of the Slateboard chassis and attachment of major driveline and body components. I guess Slate needed one on-site.

How long does it take for that kind of scanner to scan? Assuming they need to scan every one even once they get to the eventual full production of 150k/year with 24/7 operation that is a truck every 3 and a half minutes. Possibly they will scan every one to start, then as production ramps up and quality is stable they drop to scanning one every x vehicles as a QC check.

 

[beatle]

I'd guess that scanner may be to spot check dimensions of a batch of parts and see that robotic movements are as accurate and precise they should be, not for scanning each truck. Someone who buys a Slate with removable body panels shouldn't really care much about panel gaps anyway.

 

[sodamo]

would love to see the video, but didn’t get it.
come to think of it, as a Day Two reservation I have not received any of the goodies people post about. Guess I’m gonna ask Why.
Count me in as early as possible, hiccups and all