Special Q&A for Reservation Holders w/ Slate Auto CEO

[AKrietzer]

They reached over 100,000 reservations in a little over 2 weeks. I wonder how many there are now? This group seems big, but only about 1,500 members. Hopefully they will try to answer the most asked questions.

 

[cadblu]

Anyone can send a question anytime on Slate's website. This invite is for the streaming event on December 16.

I wonder if the link they send out to reservation holders is password protected. Like the last 4 digits of your reservation number. Because I’m sure someone will post the link on this forum on December 16, morning of the livestream event.

 

[AKrietzer]

I wonder if the link they send out to reservation holders is password protected. Like the last 4 digits of your reservation number. Because I’m sure someone will post the link on this forum on December 16, morning of the livestream event.

When I click on the link, it has my name and email already filled out. I haven't sent a question yet. You will probably need to be signed into your slate.auto account to see it.

 

[Adam W]

Bear in mind that the vast majority of reservation holders don't even know this SlateForums site with well-covered answers to their questions exists.

I'm going to try and remedy that situation. My question to Chris was if she would give a shoutout to SlateForums.com. 😇

 

[KevinRS]

I am thinking they wouldn't do an event like this without at least some new info they plan on releasing, though it may be minor. I'm sure the questions will be gone through and they will pick ones they have answers for that they are ready to give.
A lot submitted will be "what is the price going to be" "when will I get my truck" "what is the range" etc. Stuff they can't give a solid answer on or that's already on the site since the announcement.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

The nice people on this forum attach way too much credence to 100,000 reservations, which were a refundable $50 and taken before the $7,500 credit was revoked. Tesla had a million plus reservations for the Cybertruck, and I think they've barely cracked 50,000.

My question has nothing to do with the truck. I want to be updated on the financial stability of Slate, to include the Series C funding round.

I guess my second question would be the current reservation count. My third question would be an updated delivery timeline - in meaningful volume.

 

[sodamo]

I’d like to hear more about the delivery process. Seriously hoping a reservationist location will not be a factor, the the respect when a reservation was made.

 

[KevinRS]

Cybertruck started at a higher price, went up more, delivered late, and had limited supply.
I think in the mid 20s, more people will convert with slate. Surely they have gone to multiples of that 100k from the first 2 weeks in the major portion of a year that has passed.

I am now thinking it might be a good idea for my parents to get one too, probably with SUV kit. I'll wait to decide on that though.
Funding, they aren't going to just give new info because someone asks in a Q&A, that could interfere with getting the funding. They will announce when they can announce.
Current reservation count, same kind of thing, whatever the number is, it's too low for someone, and too high for someone else.
Too low because it means they aren't getting the reservations you think they should, too high because that's a long line, so you don't want to bother getting in line.
Delivery timeline, with volume, they have a plan, but won't know for sure until the line is in place and tested, and parts are getting delivered, If a supplier fails, any supplier, it can cause delays or lowered volume.
Delivery process, they said from the beginning that location may be a factor. Options will be pick up at a regional location, and the more orders in your area, the more locations most likely, or delivered to you, with a charge. They are going to have to ship by trailer loads, so if you are the only one in your area who is in the first 20k orders, you may not get one of the first trucks off the line.
Since you are in Hawaii, even if you were one of the very first orders, it may take some time and special effort to get one to you.

 

[ZuliMuli]

- What happens to stock wheels/tires/bumpers when you upgrade?
- Will there be a precondition button on the remote?
- Will the Slate App offer any subscription features? (Let's hope not.)
- Are there plans for some sort of Factory Delivery Program?
- What is the turning radius?

Edit:
- Will there be a bladed key or just electronic unlock via the fob?

I can answer the last question, no. There is a spot in the dash for the key fob to be placed if you want to but it's not necessary to place it in the holder and it will be a push start.

And yes I really want to know the turn radius after watching that video in the parking garage.

 

[sodamo]

Yup, being in Hawaii I would be super surprised to get an early order to Hawaii. But should I be offered to get that early order to a major port area where I can ship it myself? I think so. They have a Long Beach office, maybe they will have a Long Beach delivery location too. I suspect I can easily get my Slate shipped to me in Hawaii at my cost. Just bought I new tractor, did I have to pay extra for shipping to Hawaii? Yup, just like last new tractor i got and last 2 vehicles. Of course if Amazon Prime was the option, even better as long as I’m willing to wait.

 

[AZFox]

There is a spot in the dash for the key fob to be placed if you want to but it's not necessary to place it in the holder and it will be a push start.

Placing the fob into the spot on the dash starts the vehicle.

It's called the Secure Key Ignition System.

This AI Overview describes the Secure Key Ignition Module pretty well, assuming it's not hallucinating.

The Secure Key Ignition Module is a proprietary security feature of the Slate Truck designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and starting. 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​

​

This design was intentionally chosen by Slate Auto to balance affordability with high security, ensuring that even at a lower price point, the vehicle does not compromise on theft protection.​

That question (Will there be a bladed key or just electronic unlock via the fob?) was meant to be about opening the doors and tailgate, not starting the vehicle.

 

[E90400K]

I can answer the last question, no. There is a spot in the dash for the key fob to be placed if you want to but it's not necessary to place it in the holder and it will be a push start.

And yes I really want to know the turn radius after watching that video in the parking garage.

I assume the slot in the dash for the fob is to keep it charged. I would think the turning radius will be very good on the production versions considering the front suspension is a derivative of a Macpherson strut/lower control arm type. And being there is no front drive with drive axles that could limit the turning radius.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Ny optimistic side (I am bipolar when it comes to Slate), I am simply hoping that she starts the Q&A session with a basic progress update.

You know what would be super cool? If they invite a handful of members from this forum to attend in person. Walk around a prototype and the factory with the CEO and ask questions directly. Now that would show some serious customer engagement.

Definitely don't invite me. I'd be asking questions you probably don't want to answer. But there are enough "Slate walks on water" members to make great invitees.

Let's make it a dare. Hey Slate! I dare you to invite three forum members to the Q&A in person.