Slate (RWD) spotted snow/cold weather testing. AWD version coming says engineer

[KevinRS]

Perhaps a small solar array?

Solar at that size does little, maybe can power some accessories, adds more drag than power. It seems like I've seen another photo of one with the same tubing going over the roof in the past, don't think anyone's figured that out either.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Solar at that size does little, maybe can power some accessories, adds more drag than power. It seems like I've seen another photo of one with the same tubing going over the roof in the past, don't think anyone's figured that out either.

I don't understand why this is such a mystery


A replica of the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future, made by Joe Kovacs
Dwurban, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


BTTF Back View
DukeNukeIt, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


Flux Capacitor Replica Kovacs
Dwurban, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons


Time Circuit
DukeNukeIt, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The Slate truck is copying the Delorean Time Machine, even down to the add-on radio.

Edit: Really; two seater, small startup, customizable, one color…

 

[mikell]

I've wired a lot of prototypes for road testing and have no idea what the tube is or the reason for the rack. The data acquisition system might be in the place of the passenger seat. The rack could be a weight or attached to a large data box?
??

 

[Luxrage]

I wonder if that tube is measuring the flex of the cab. Looks like it's mounted in a few spots and curves over window-to-window. Maybe as it's going over snowbanks and things in the cold they are measuring total body flex of the roof structure?

 

[ValkorTheOptimistic]

I don't understand why this is such a mystery

The Slate truck is copying the Delorean Time Machine, even down to the add-on radio.

Edit: Really; two seater, small startup, customizable, one color…

Ok, if the windshield were more sloped and cab weren't so cavernous I'd have my first customization project right there. (Seriously, it's huge in there)

 

[MotoGary]

Oh I have no idea what they have strapped/mounted to the top, but I can all but guarantee it isn't to stop the elements from getting into the bed.

My guess is that it's a mount for a camera or test equipment. Something like this:

 

[KevinRS]

Camera was one thought I had, the pipe or conduit seems to terminate in front of the windshield on the driver's side above their line of sight.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Camera was one thought I had, the pipe or conduit seems to terminate in front of the windshield on the driver's side above their line of sight.

could be a camera for winter driving footage to verify the testing or if somthing goes wrong

 

[KevinRS]

could be a camera for winter driving footage to verify the testing or if somthing goes wrong

Or even just for filming footage to use in ads

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Or even just for filming footage to use in ads

that could be true as well be funny if the release the ad in the middle of summer